What Color Should the Drain Outage Be After Tummy Tuck?

Question

Just had a full  tuck with lipo and have 4 drains. Can't remember what color is good or bad for the drainage. Is dark yellow liquid coming from the drains good or bad?

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

The color is not necessarily used as a good or bad indicator. Generally, the initial drainage is bloody and tends to be thick and dark with a tendency to clot. As the drainage diminishes it goes from dark red to lighter red (Hawaiin punch) to clearer red orange, to a lighter orange yellow and eventually to a clear yellow (serous) fluid. This is typically about the time the drainage dimishes.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

It’s normal for patients to have drainage following
abdominoplasty surgery. This drainage is initially bloody. It rapidly
transitions to a watery red kool-aide consistency. Eventually the drainage
becomes clear with a yellow tint.During
the process the volume slowly decreases as well. When the drainage is clear and
below 25cc per 24 hours, the drains can be removed.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Drain output fluid is usually bloody  becoming more serous (yellow)  after a few days. I don't think any specific color of drain output should be concerning; however, thicker/more dense  fluid especially associated with an unpleasant odor would be concerned (no matter what the color).

Leonard Tachmes, MD · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
Congratulations on your recent procedure! Drainage following abdominoplasty is usually initially dark and bloody with clots, lightening to red,  to orange (admixture), to yellow (serum). Drainage amounts should decrease over time,with drain removal usually at one week unless drainage amount is excessive.
Continue your followup with your plastic surgeon.
Best wishes...

Gary Motykie, MD · Answer

It is normal to have a
little bit of drainage after the drain has removed.  The skin wound will need a few days to fully
close and until that happens some fluid can leak.  However, there should not be a large amount
of drainage, nor bright red blood.   If
this happens, go see your surgeon immediately.

What Color Should the Drain Outage Be After Tummy Tuck?

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Answer: Color of drainage after abdominoplasty

Answer: Color of drainage after abdominoplasty

Answer: Drain Outage After Tummy Tuck

Answer: Drain Outage After Tummy Tuck

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What Color Should the Drain Outage Be After Tummy Tuck?

Answers (9)

Answer: Color of drainage after abdominoplasty

Answer: Color of drainage after abdominoplasty

Answer: Drain Outage After Tummy Tuck

Answer: Drain Outage After Tummy Tuck

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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