Is it normal to still be draining a lot after 12 days? It is dark red. I'm still draining 40 on both sides daily.

Question

I had my tummy tuck and lipo 12 days ago. I still have both my drains in. They said they will remove it when I have a total of 30 or less for 48 hours.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you very much for sharing your concerns with us.At this point 2 weeks post-po, the swelling is normal.To reduce it, I recommend you perform daily lymphatic drainage massage therapy over the abdomen and wear a postoperative girdle from thigh to the breasts.Kind regards,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and congratulations on your surgery!  It is not uncommon to still be draining fluid 12 days after a tummy tuck but you should have been seeing a steady decline in daily output over that period.  Oftentimes the consistency of the fluid will also thin becoming lighter red in intensity and eventually to a yellow,straw-colored appearance.  Be sure to maintain close follow up with your surgeon, they can ensure that you are healing appropriately.

Nicholas Tarola, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It is not abnormal to be draining 12 days after surgery.  The amount of drainage depends on the technique used to do your tummy tuck (progressive tension sutures, hemostatic agents, tissue glue, or none of the above), the degree of liposuction performed, and your current activity level.  It is standard to keep a drain in place until each drain collects less than 30 cc per 24 hour period.  Follow your surgeon's guidance and instructions throughout your recovery for optimal results.  Best wishes!

Lawrence Bundrick, MD (retired) · Answer

Great question. It is not uncommon to still be draining 12 days post Liposuction and Tummy Tuck. You should by now be seeing a steady decline in the amount of fluid draining and the fluid should also be becoming lighter in color. It is normal for drains to stay in 2 weeks or so to limit the amount of fluid that could build up inside.

Is it normal to still be draining a lot after 12 days? It is dark red. I'm still draining 40 on both sides daily.

Answers (4)

Answer: Tummy Tuck Draining

Answer: Tummy Tuck Draining

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.

Is it normal to still be draining a lot after 12 days? It is dark red. I'm still draining 40 on both sides daily.

Answers (4)

Answer: Tummy Tuck Draining

Answer: Tummy Tuck Draining

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.