My drain was taken out 4 days ago and I’m leaking a yellowish mucus substance. Is this normal? (Photos)

Hello and thank you for your question and for posting photos along with it. If a drain is removed at the appropriate time the amount of drainage should be minimal if any at all. If it does drain it should be minimal amounts of thin yellowis/pinkish fluid. When I pull drains I wait for them to be draining less than 25cc/24hr period for at least 48 hours and then I only pull 1 drain at a time just incase. The drainage that you show appears a little thicker than I would expect and to be still draining 4 days out is a little out of the norm. You should pay attention to signs of possible infection like fevers, chills, not feeling good, pain, warmth, redness etc... If ANY of these are present you need to be seen by someone ASAP! Even if its going to the ER just to be evaluated. Ankur Mehta MD

Please schedule an appointment with a local board certified plastic surgeon for an in person evaluation. Leaking a thick fluid with odor is not normal, and could be a sign of infection. Leaking a small amount of clear yellow fluid or clear yellow-pink fluid from the drain exit sites is normal after removing drains, but only a small amount and usually only the first day or two. This fluid also does not typically have an odor. Leaking a thick yellow fluid 4 days after drain removal is not normal or common. Was another procedure done at the same time, such as lipo? If there is liquid fat coming out, it can be thick and yellow, but again, this is not something you usually see draining out. Also, you mention "the front two" drains. How many other drains were there, and where were they located? Usually for tummy tuck there are 2 drains total. Antibiotics are not typically indicated for 10 days either, though some surgeons use them by habit when there is a drain in place, rather than for treating an active infection. In any case, there is not enough information here to say nothing is wrong, but definitely enough to say you need to be evaluated in person.

Hello,Some leaking is normal but this should resolve within a week. If it hasn't you probably need to be seen. All the best in your recovery,Dr. BlaggAustin, TX

Thank you for your question.
It appears that you had a Tummy Tuck procedure. It is difficult to give any advise without a picture of the wounds. Thick discharge at this time, is not normal. You should see a surgeon preferably a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who can evaluate you and guide you. All The Best !

In general, thick fluid coming out this far after surgery is not normal. Perhaps some clear fluid for a day or so.  You need to be evaluated by a surgeon with expertise in tummy tuck care.