Can I remove drains myself?

Question

I recently got a tummy tuck. I travel out of new York to get it done. I came back to NY. The surgeon said I can remove the drains myself. I called my PCP to ask her to remove my drains n she said no. So I need to know if its safe for me robremove them myself???

Erik Miles, MD, FACS · Answer

Your primary care physician’s reluctance to remove your drains is understandable.  For her to do so would require coordination with your surgeon, and she would then be assuming some responsibility for the aftercare related to the tummy tuck.  For example if you developed wound healing problems, or a seroma, they would likely not feel comfortable managing those issues.   It is also frankly not fair to ask another physician who is not a surgeon to manage your post surgical care.   These are factors that patients who travel for surgery generally don’t consider.

There is nothing particularly difficult about removing a drain. Generally you just cut a suture and pull the drain out. I prefer to remove all of my patient’s drains in my office so I can look at the overall surgical site and determine if there are any other issues. My recommendation would be to stay in contact with your surgeon and ask for their specific recommendations. You may even be able to Skype a consultation so they can show you exactly what they want you to do.  Best wishes.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

If you cannot visit with your surgeon who placed the drains,  perhaps your surgeon has a colleague in your area who could remove them for you.  It is not recommended that you remove them yourself, especially if you haven't been instructed or are uncomfortable.   It seems from your comments that this was not addressed by your surgeon prior to you returning home.

Chad Robbins, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question .  I don't recommend taking it out your self,  ask your PS if he recommends a PS in your area.   If not, you can try calling a PS office and ask if they will.   It's not typical to go to another Dr. to have it removed, should be the PS who performed it, ideally.

George Lefkovits, MD · Answer

I would not suggest that you remove your drains following a TT by your self. Your PS should assess the volume and color of the drainage to be able to determine whether or not they can be removed. If it is not possible to return to your surgeon I would suggest that you see a PS in your area, preferably one that your PS is familiar with.

Noël Blythe Natoli, MD, FACS · Answer

No!  I'm usually not this direct but i would never recommend a patient remove their own drain.  This can be uncomfortable and needs to be done as a clean procedure.   As already mentioned it needs to be coordinated with your surgeon to ensure your drains are not putting out too much fluid and that they are in fact ready to be removed.  Please revisit your plastic surgeon or local plastic surgeon.

Can I remove drains myself?

Answers (7)

Answer: SAVE Can I remove drains myself?

Answer: SAVE Can I remove drains myself?

Answer: Removing your drains

Answer: Removing your drains

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.

Can I remove drains myself?

Answers (7)

Answer: SAVE Can I remove drains myself?

Answer: SAVE Can I remove drains myself?

Answer: Removing your drains

Answer: Removing your drains

Browse related questions

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.