2 weeks post op Tummy Tuck w/lipo. 1 Drain still producing 50 cc of very dark red fluid. Is this normal?

Question

Is there something I can do to help alleviate the drainage? Should I still be taking tylenol for anti inflammatory? i am not in any pain, just frustrated with 3 drains. 2 should come out this week.

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry. If you are not wearing some compression garments, I would ask your surgeon if he/she would recommend it to help reduce drainage-Good Luck.

David Liland, MD · Answer

Drains are necessary for most all Tummy Tucks as our body puts fluid into surgical areas and areas of injury. If not placed one has fluid collections (seromas) that prevent proper healing . I leave drains in until they are secreting only 25cc 2 days in a row. That may take 1 to 4 weeks……sometimes longer especially in massive weight loss patients that have increased vascular and lymph channels. You are on course and the 2 coming out will make you more comfortable. The dark red could be from a small post op bleed that did not require surgical drainage but might prolong the actual drain tube time…but necessary. Best recovery!

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

These are drains in abdominoplasty is important. It helps manage any potential seroma. If you're frustrated with the drain you'll be pulling your hair out if you didn't have it and had to manage a seroma . Please be patient your plastic surgeon sounds like he or she is doing all the right things.

Scott E. Kasden, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Terry.It is quite normal for drains to be in this long.  It really depends on how large of a tummy tuck was done.  Essentially, the larger the amount of tissue removed, the more the amount of drainage that results and for longer.  Compression garments are good.  Limiting any activity that will cause shearing forces (jumping around for example) will help.  Your doctor may have additional helpful tips to share.In my experience, Tylenol is not a great anti-inflammatory.Bestsek

J. Garrett Harper, MD · Answer

We all hate drains- probably 50% of patient phone calls are with regards to drains.  Lots of time and effort have gone into studies to develop ways not to use them because patients and surgeons alike both hate them.  That being said, they serve a great purpose- especially after a surgery that results in swelling like an abdominoplasty with liposuction.  The dark red blood isn't active bleeding (or it doesn't sound like it)- at around day 10-14, your body will dissolve any blood collection or hematoma and it should be able to flow out the drain.  Those blood cells are kind of like Kool-Aid powder too, a little bit goes a long way and stains the normal straw-colored fluid more red.  It can be scary and aggrevating, but try and bare with them and push through.

Tiffany McCormack, MD · Answer

It sounds like you may have had a small hematoma that is breaking up and draining along with normal bodily fluid that is produced after this type of surgery.  A drain is a good thing, you want this fluid to come out rather than accumulate in case your body cannot resorb it.

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

Other than wearing compression, there is not much you can do. Tylenol, by the way, is not an anti-inflammatory medication.Best source of info on this will be your surgeon who knows the details of your recovery. All the best.

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

I hear your frustration and if and when drains can be safely removed is anyone's guess.  So carefully follow your surgeons instructionsDr Corbin

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

The drain is your friend even though it is a nuisance. Without it the fluid would be building up internally and delaying healing.IF the output looks really dark, almost black, you might have had a small hematoma that is now dissolving and being brought out by the drain. This takes a little longer to finish draining. Please keep close touch with your doctor.

2 weeks post op Tummy Tuck w/lipo. 1 Drain still producing 50 cc of very dark red fluid. Is this normal?

Answers (9)

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