JP drain is no longer working.

Question

I had an tummy tuck three weeks ago today. I still have my drain in but the plastic plug came off the drain and now it will not stay collapsed so it isn't suctioning. I tried using tape, q-tips, etc to rig it but it won't stay collapsed. I was still draining a good bit of fluid (completely filling and dumping it twice daily) when I lost the plug yesterday...is it very bad if all that fluid is just collecting without draining until next week when I have my doctor's appointment? Thanks.

Earl M. Johnson, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. From time to time JP drains stop working. There are many different causes including leaks, clogs and in your case a missing plug. There is almost always a simple solution. I encourage you to reach out to your surgeon to have the plug or entire drain bulb or "grenade" replace. Also, depending on the amount of drainage it may be time to remove the drain entirely. Good luck, hope you have a quick resolution.

Erik Miles, MD, FACS · Answer

I would recommend that you contact your surgeon to make him/her aware of the situation.  If continued drainage is indicated, the broken suction bulb can simply be replaced.  Three weeks of drainage is longer than typical after a tummy tuck. Your surgeon might decide to remove the drain altogether.  Best wishes!

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and I am sorry to hear of your drain issues.  Rest assured that this is a very quick fix and requires replacement of the "grenade" portion of the drain that you squeeze and cap.  Because of the amount of fluid you are still draining, I would reach out to your surgeon's office today and let them know what has occurred. They most likely have a replacement in the office that will be an easy swap and will avoid a fluid collection building up underneath your skin. Hope this helps.

Julio Clavijo-Alvarez, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on your procedure and thanks
for sharing your question. I can appreciate your concern.

if fluid is still coming out you should consider calling your PS for a replacement. excess fluid may favor seroma pockets or infection.

Wishing you the best in your journey

Mark Schoemann, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your procedure- Don't wait until next week - call your surgeons office now and the nurse will be able to help you address this situation immediately.

JP drain is no longer working.

Answers (6)

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JP drain is no longer working.

Answers (6)

Answer: Drain malfunction

Answer: Drain malfunction

Answer: Tummy Tuck/Liposuction drains

Answer: Tummy Tuck/Liposuction drains

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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.