What causes blood in the drain after a Tummy tuck?

It is very common to have some bloody drainage in a drain.  It is unlikely related to the pain you were having.  You are very early after a tummy tuck so these signs and symptoms are expected.  

Real blood clots in will not come through a drain. The protein of serum can congeal in the presence of red blood cells to make it look like it is true blood but often times it is not. Nevertheless report this to your surgeon.

Thanks for your question. From the description given you should not be concerned... it is normal to experience some bleeding after surgery. If the issue becomes more concerning please consult your surgeon.All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

You are still fairly recent in your recovery, and it is possible to have a blood vessel bleed on a delayed basis, especially if it was associated with a sudden change, such as the pain you describe.  It is also possible for positional changes to cause more blood to drain if it had pooled.  At only 10cc, you likely will be fine, but alerting your plastic surgeon and asking his/her advice is the right answer, especially if the bleeding does not quickly taper off!  Best of luck with your continued recovery!

A mixture between manipulation of the tissues from surgery, excess movement, or injury to that area other than from surgery are all possibilities. Take it easy and wait to hear back from your plastic surgeon. Thank you for your question!Melinda Lacerna, MD FACS

Pain may be cause by blood accumulation ( an hematoma) or by nerve injury.You should contact your surgeon and discuss these symptoms with him. He will take care of it.

It is very common to have some blood in the drain for the first few days or even a week or two. It should look a little like fruit punch or a little darker. It should get lighter and lighter looking almost like urine over the first week.  Bright red opaque blood in the bulb can occur for the first few days but you should inform your surgeon. If the volume is large (>100 cc in 24hrs) it rmay need intervention and warrants a call to your doctor no matter what time of day or night. 

From what you have described, it all sounds very normal. It is normal for drains to remain for 2-3 weeks after surgery. Drains are placed after a tummy tuck because there is an open space where the skin has been lifted off of the muscle, until that skin re-attaches, there is a space for fluid to drain. I am not quite sure why the sharp hip pain, but would suggest a follow up with your plastic surgeon if symptoms worsen.

Small amounts of blood will drain after a tummy tuck for up to 2-3 weeks.  It is self limiting and will stop with time.  Large or an excessive amount of bleeding should be evaluated by your plastic surgeon immedialtly.

This is not an unusual finding as some bleeding will occur from surgery.  Your drainage is a very small amount and it should stop.  Continue with your compression garment and follow up with your PS.