Is leaking around drain insertion site something to worry about? 3 days post-op.

Question

I had a tummy tuck with liposuction on Friday and currently have two drains with one being in the incision itself. I was told to strip the drains in case something was blocking it and I have been doing that. No matter what I do, it still leaks around and out and makes a bit of a mess. The other one hasn't given any problems. Is this something I should be concerned about?

Chad Douglas Tattini, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon for some leakage around the drain. The most important thing to note is whether the drain is still collecting fluid. It is not as worrisome as long as the drain is still working. If you have any further questions, I would suggest contacting your surgeon for further evaluation.

Giorgio Netri, MBBS · Answer

Thanks for your question.
It is quite normal at this stage to have some fluid leaking around the drains, probably the incision has just become a bit looser.
Inform your surgeon as he might decide to remove the drain if uncomfortable for you.
Regards 
Mr Netri

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your excellent question.  In general this is not an issue outside of the mess that it can create.  Most likely the drain has become clogged and instead of the excess fluid going through the tubing it is going around the tubing as a path of least resistance. I would contact your surgeon's office to see if they can help unclog the drain, or have it removed.

Luke J. Curtsinger, MD · Answer

Closed suction drains conduct most of their drainage through the drain, but some drainage can seep around the drain, especially early on.

Jeanette Padgett, MD, FACS · Answer

If a drain is clogged, sometimes the fluid will drain around and next to the drain rather than through it.  It is not something to worry about other than you need to change the bandages around this drain.  Have your plastic surgeon look at the drain.  Best wishes.

Is leaking around drain insertion site something to worry about? 3 days post-op.

Answers (8)

Answer: Drainage Around Drains is Usually Normal

Answer: Drainage Around Drains is Usually Normal

Answer: Is leaking around drain insertion site, 3 days post-op, something to worry about?

Answer: Is leaking around drain insertion site, 3 days post-op, something to worry about?

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 leaking around drain insertion site something to worry about? 3 days post-op.

Answers (8)

Answer: Drainage Around Drains is Usually Normal

Answer: Drainage Around Drains is Usually Normal

Answer: Is leaking around drain insertion site, 3 days post-op, something to worry about?

Answer: Is leaking around drain insertion site, 3 days post-op, something to worry about?

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.