Color difference in drains - is it normal?

Question

I have drain currently in both sides, they're rather uncomfortable and while the left side appears to be draining just fine and has turned to a clear yellow color, as my doctor said it would, the right has been continuously draining a thick red for the past few days. That side is also swollen a bit more, but its not overly noticeable. I would ask my doctor about this but his office assistant said he would be out of the office for the next few days and id like an answer sooner than later.

Matthew C. Camp, MD · Answer

The breast that is draining dark fluid likely has a small hematoma that is slowly melting away. If one breast is significantly larger and more tender than the other, this is an indication for exploration of the breast to remove the blood collection and stop any bleeding that may be going on. Usually, if there is no large difference in breast size, you can just be patient and the hematoma will resolve. Matthew C Camp MD

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

It is normal to have differences in drain outputs in both volume and content. Your question is difficult to answer without an examination and if you are putting out a large volume (>150cc/day) of red drainage with increased swelling on that side I would recommend that you contact your plastic surgeon office and have the covering physician or NP take a look at your breast. #BreastReduction #PlasticSurgery #Recovery #Healing

Jennifer Lauren Crawford, MD · Answer

There definitely can be some variation between drains.  The end of one drain could be sitting in an area where a bit more blood collected initially after surgery and it is still pulling that old blood out.  Old blood looks dark red and may be a bit thick.  As your body heals, it tends to produce some inflammatory fluid that looks yellow.  So, the trend in the drains can be dark to a lighter red to pink/yellow and then simply to yellow.  If you get more swollen and bruised appearing on one side and the blood appears fairly fresh, then it is sometimes possible to be draining a hematoma (blood collection) that is still collecting.  If one side is rapidly expanding and/or tight feeling and very swollen, then you should be checked out soon and should ask to be seen.  Otherwise, what you have described can be very normal and not a concern.

Jennifer Capla, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Certainly after surgery the two breasts can heal differently. The differences may be normal but without an exam it is hard to tell. There should be someone covering for your doctor while they are away. It is important to make sure that someone takes a look. If there is something wrong it is always better to catch it early. Best of luck.

Tracy Kayan, MD · Answer

It is fairly common soon after surgery to have slightly different colored fluid coming out of each drain, as it simply reflects that there may be more or less bleeding or old blood collected in one side vs the other. If one side is a lot more swollen than the other or more painful/oozing from your incisions, then it's time to call your doctors office as this may indicate that you have active bleeding or a hematoma on the more swollen side with darker or redder drain fluid.

Color difference in drains - is it normal?

Answers (5)

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