It is normal to have drains more than 3 weeks?

Question

I had a full tummy tuck 3 weeks ago they remove my left drain on the second week but my right drain still drainning .in one week the drain mark 150 cc . Is this normal ?what can i do to remove it faster?

Afshin Parhiscar, MD · Answer

Dear sarahIn more complex tummy tucks, after massive weight loss or when combined with liposuction, drains tend to stay in longer. Most tummy tuck drains come out at one week but they can stay in longer. Compression and lowering salt intake might help. Most surgeons wait until the drainage is less than 30 cc per 24 hours. In cases like yours, you and your surgeon have to discuss when to remove the drain based on the clinical picture and physical exam.

Wayne I. Yamahata, MD · Answer

Hi SarahThere is no "normal" for the amount of time a drainage tube should be left in place. There are many factors that affect the amount of fluid your body produces and many factors are considered when determining the right time to remove a drain. Although it is uncommon to have a drain in for 3 weeks, there are times when the volume of drainage mandates this. Other than gentle compression, there is little that can be done to reduce the drainage volume.I hope this answer provides some comfort and hopefully you will be relieved of your drains soon.

Joubin Gabbay, MD · Answer

On average, drains tend to stay in for 1 to 2 weeks, but it is not at all unusual to have them in for longer. Sometimes it just takes a while! I would have a discussion with your surgeon about what they think is going on. Sometimes aggressive activity or not wearing compression garments can increase drainage.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

If you are draining 150 cc still then you need a drain and definitely compression.  Your surgeon should try to find out why your are still draining.  Please keep close follow-up with your surgeon.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It is possible to have drains in for more than three weeks after surgery, as each patient heals differently.  As long as there are no signs of a drain complication, such as a local infection, it is okay to have a drain in place removing this extra fluid from surgery.  Be sure to catalogue your drain's output in 24 hour increments, and inform your doctor when the output drops below their threshold for removal.  Hope that this helps.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

increase risks for infection.  My policy in my office is to convert them to open drains after 3 weeks and this usually works for most patients.  But you cannot shower when doing this technique.  150 cc's is quite a bit and your surgeon should be considering options at this point to resolve this and you should be asking about what you can do to minimize your output.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on having undergone the tummy tuck procedure. Yes, sometimes drains are necessary for three weeks, or even longer. Fortunately, these occurrences are somewhat unusual. My best suggestion: close follow up with your plastic surgeon. Make sure that you are not overdoing activity.  The use of compressive garments may also be helpful. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be pleased with long-term.

Mennen T. Gallas, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. While it is not as common to leave drains in for 3 weeks after a tummy tuck, that's not to say it's out of the question as every patient heals differently. With my tummy tuck patients, I don't remove drains until each drain is collecting 25-30 cc of fluid or less per 24 hour time span. Often times a patient may drain less than this on one side but not the other so we will remove only 1 drain. I recommend that you contact your plastic surgeon's office and let them know the cc's of fluid per 24 hour period that is draining so they can instruct you further. I wish you the best of luck with your recovery and final result!

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, sarah789.  Although most patients have their drains for 1-2 weeks, depending on their outputs, it is normal to keep it more than 3 weeks.  Try to limit your activity and wear compression binder.  Follow your plastic surgeon's post-op care.  Best wishes.

Craig B. Boswell, MD · Answer

Most drains come out by this time (but not always).  A rough rule of thumb is that I would like to see the drainage below 30 cc per 24 hour period.  If you are at 150 cc for 1 week, then it sounds like you are ready to have your drain removed.  If the drainage is at 150 cc per day, then it needs to stay in place.  Wearing compression (abdominal binder, Spanx, compression shirts that extend down to the drains) can help with lowering drainage by decreasing the amount of dead space for fluids to collect.  Limiting the amount of vigorous exercise can also help lower the drain's output.  Keep in close contact with your plastic surgeon and they can let you know what their parameters for drain removal are.  Good luck on your healing.

It is normal to have drains more than 3 weeks?

Answers (12)

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