Had JP drain fracture on one week removal. Dr was unable to remove the 3 cm part under skin. Is this safe?

Question

Dr thought he may have nadvertently sutured drain under wound. Was unable to pull it out. Numbed up area, scrubbed and tried to tug more firmly. The drain tube popped off and came out but not the approximately 3cm inside portion. He tried using clamp or forceps but could not get it to tug free. He says to leave for 2-3 months then go back and remove. Is this safe?

Jonathan Heistein, MD · Answer

Sorry this happened to you.  The piece of drain should be removed.  I would recommend that it be removed sooner rather than later, due to the chance of infection.  But, your PS knows the situation the best, and he/she should be competent to help you determine the best timing for removal.  Best of luck!

Juan Carlos Fuentes, MD · Answer

It is safe to have a small fragment of the silicon drain under the skin. The main risk will be an infection on the place of the drain, but this will extremely rare. And it is better to wait for the swelling and inflammation to go away, and it will be much easier to remove the drain.

Robert V. Mandraccia, MD · Answer

you didn't mention what procedure you had done, and, while the drain should be removed at some point, I don't think it is overly dangerous. Check with you physician or resubmit with a bit more info. Good luck.

R Mandraccia MD

Ft Myers Fl and Oklahoma City, OK

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Usually it is better to remove it sooner than later. The risk of infection goes up with time.  Best of luck.

Kamran Khoobehi, MD · Answer

This is unusual but could happen and unfortunately happened to you. You can wait to remove it later, but I would think it is easier now than few months later. The risk infection is low but I am concerned that scar will make it harder after few months.

Had JP drain fracture on one week removal. Dr was unable to remove the 3 cm part under skin. Is this safe?

Answers (6)

Answer: JP Drain

Answer: JP Drain

Answer: Can be removed later but what is the reason for waiting?

Answer: Can be removed later but what is the reason for waiting?

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Had JP drain fracture on one week removal. Dr was unable to remove the 3 cm part under skin. Is this safe?

Answers (6)

Answer: JP Drain

Answer: JP Drain

Answer: Can be removed later but what is the reason for waiting?

Answer: Can be removed later but what is the reason for waiting?

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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.