My tummy tuck drain stick ripped out what should I do? (Photo)

Question

My surgeon is in another state so I can’t go to him, I emailed the nurse. But I need to know how I can keep tubing in place as I’m still draining 50cc per day and was told to leave in until I hit 15cc or less for 3 days in a row. Tape and Bandaids are not working?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello. Great question. Congratulations on your procedure. I am sorry for your post op difficulties. A suture is needed to maintain your drain in place. Please follow up with your surgeon.

Ricardo Vega, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your inquiry, stitches would need to be placed for the drain tube to stay in its place, if your surgeon is too far away and you are unable to make a trip I suggest seeking other board certified plastic surgeons in your area who could help you or contact your surgeon for a recommended surgeon in your area. Best of luck!

Ron Soltero, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Patient:
Very important to follow up
With your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon on this asap.  I would encourage you to call his office and find out if he has any colleagues where you live (most Board Certified Plastic Surgeons will work with each other)
Hope this helps!
Ron Soltero Md FACS
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Member ASAPS
Member ASPS

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Please find another surgeon or doctor to place another suture.  Your out of state surgeon may have a colleague in your town they can ask a favor of.  Good Luck.

Luis M. Rios Jr., MD · Answer

Thanks for the question because it brings up a very important issue that many patients don't think about before they schedule surgery. The important thing to remember is that the follow up period is very important especially with bigger operations. 
Here is some advice in finding a doctor that will help you back home. 
1) Ask your doctor if he has any colleagues close to you that can help you. When it comes to Board Certified Plastic Surgeons, we usually have a code of ethics that encourages us to help each other out.
2) You can go to the web site of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons or American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons to find Board Certified Plastic Surgeons close to you. 
3) If you have an OBGYN or family practice doctor that you see, ask them to help you get a referral to a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.
These are a few suggestions for you.
Good Luck!

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

The best way to keep the drain in place would be to re-suture the drain back in.  If you can find a plastic surgeon locally that is willing to do that, that would be the best option.  Another option would be to place tape to hold the drain in place, unfortunately, tapes dont always work well.I would contact your plastic surgeons office as you have and see if they have any surgeons close to you that would be willing to help.Hope that helps.

William L. Reno, III, MD · Answer

If the drain is still holding suction it would be best to place another suture to hold it in place.  This could possibly be done by someone locally if you are not able to get back to your surgeon.  If the drain is no longer holding suction then discuss with your surgeon about just removing it.  With that much drainage you will likely need to have it replaced and should plan to go back to see your surgeon as soon as possible.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear jackwhite10,if you still have some drainage from the wound, then your drain should be stitched in order to stay in place. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment. Only after thorough examination you can get proper recommendations and advice.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your excellent question and I am sorry to hear of your drain issues.  Assuming the drain is still holding suction you may be able to mesentery tape around the tube to hold it in place, or better yet have a local plastic surgeon suture the drain down to your skin again.  Hope this helps.

Gilbert Lee, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photo. If your surgeon is out of town, the office should have the name and contact surgeon who is covering for him. I recommend that you touch base that surgeon. They may need to resuture the drain back in place so it doesn't continue to slide out. Good luck!

My tummy tuck drain stick ripped out what should I do? (Photo)

Answers (12)

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