25 days post op draining 50cc dark red wine colored fluid- circumferential tummy tuck, muscle repair and lipo. Concerned!!

Question

I'm due to have my drain removed early next week. I have been draining approximately 50cc's every 24 hrs and the same very dark color since surgery. Does the volume of drainage and color indicate a serious problem? Im healing well, with no sign of infection at the incisions or drain site. I'm resting, avoiding strenuous activity and drinking lots of fluids. Would it be safe/appropriate to leave my drain in longer considering my drainage volume?

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

It sounds as though you are evacuating blood that is accumulated and is now finally working its way through the incision. This should be reported to your plastic surgeon.

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

First of all, drains are not removed according to a schedule; they are removed when the amounts are low enough that your body has healed any residual cavity completely enough that with the drain out, no fluid accumulates to cause a seroma (or if the drainage is old blood like yours, a hematoma).My partner and I have done over 300 lower body lifts over the past 17 years, and can confirm that the posterior drains can remain in place for an average of 2-3 weeks, and sometimes longer, so your case is not unusual at all.Thus, it is appropriate that you NOT let the doctor's nurse remove your drain prematurely, that you discuss this with your surgeon, and that s/he might want to consider sclerodesis to help seal down any residual cavity from which drainage is still coming out via your drain.I agree with Dr. Rand that your surgeon should be horrified that you are asking this online rather than calling him or her. Please do so Monday morning first thing. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Adrian Richards, MBBS, MSc · Answer

Thank you very much for your enquiry.  It certainly is quite unusual to be draining
50cc of wine-coloured fluid following tummy tuck procedure and in fact in our
practice we do not use any drains at all and rarely have fluid collections.

I would generally recommend that you see your
plastic surgeon to allow them to assess the area as there are a number of
techniques they can use to decrease the drainage you are having.

I hope the drainage stops in the near future and
wish you the best of luck with this.

Best wishes.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

There is a judgment call here and traditionally, drains are left in until a certain amount is reached (less than 30 cc's a day for 2 consecutive days in my book).  But when drains are left in long, there is a real risk of a retrograde infection and risks and benefits need to be considered here.  In my practice, I often convert closed drains to open drains and pull them 1-2 inches a day until they are out.  Your drainage suggests a draining hematoma... and you should discuss your options thorouhgly with your surgeon.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

It sounds like you are draining old blood that has collected under the skin flaps.  It is not dangerous but you may need to keep the drains in longer.

25 days post op draining 50cc dark red wine colored fluid- circumferential tummy tuck, muscle repair and lipo. Concerned!!

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25 days post op draining 50cc dark red wine colored fluid- circumferential tummy tuck, muscle repair and lipo. Concerned!!

Answers (10)

Answer: When to remove drain when output is still considerable

Answer: When to remove drain when output is still considerable

Answer: Drainage after a body lift

Answer: Drainage after a body lift

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.