Drain Hole Not Closing, Very Painful. What To Do? (photo)

I'm sorry to hear about the “painful” experience.

Usually, superficial  incision line separation is related to suture material. If the area is not healing there may be additional sutures that need to be dealt with. Close follow-up with your plastic surgeon will be necessary. Once these sutures have been removed,  the “holes” generally heal quickly and without the need for further intervention.

The surrounding area that is becoming “raw” may be irritated by the adhesive from Band-Aids/dressings. You may want to consider the use of nonstick dressings covered by sterile dressings to protect your clothing and to keep the open areas clean. Minimize tape and adhesives as much as possible.

I hope this helps.

 

 

 

The reason is almost always either a retained suture or an infection, even a localized one. It may even be a combination of both where a suture may be infected, and removing it is required for the hole to close. Once both issues are taken care of, the hole should close up within a few days.

Nobody likes drains.  Unfortunately they are a necessary component of many plastic surgery procedures.  Most patients will close their drain holes in a few days after they are removed.  Some patients will develop a stubborn wound that has trouble closing.  Removing a stitch if it was exposed is the right thing to do.  Keep up with your dressing changes and see your plastic surgeon as directed.  It should heal soon.  Best of Luck, Dr. Kerr