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

Question

I am concerned but have red that yellow is normal. Is does have minor odor to it. Should I be concerned? My PS is in Mexico. I sent him photos but he said it’s normal. I just dont want an infection. He asked me to stop the antibiotics on Tuesday (post op day 10) which was the day the front two drainage tubes were taken out.

Ankur Mehta, MD · Answer

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

Anita Patel, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Ross Blagg, MD · Answer

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

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

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 !

John LoMonaco, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Massiel Guzmán Reyes, MD · Answer

Dear belkabree,
Some drainage after the removal is normal, but if it persist, i suggest you contact a PS near you, to examine you, and put your mind at ease.
Best of luck!

Isabel Balza, MD · Answer

Thanks for your questionUsually is normal after removing the drain some leak for a couple of days. I recommend to call your PS and explain the situation also it is very important if you have any redness in the area or fever. Send to your doctor pictures of the surgical area. Good luck dear :)

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.   You should see your surgeon for an immediate evaluation.  If you cannot, then I recommend that you seek
consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate
you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear belkabree,you can have some drainage from drain site after drain removal. However, without an examination it is hard to tell whether it is dangerous. If you are concerned, I would suggest you to consult your plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

M. Scott Haydon, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. It's unclear what kind of surgery you had, but some leakage at the drain site is normal. Best of luck!

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

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