Drain Tubes Are Slipping and Hurt at Point of Entry, Is This Normal?

The drains after having a tummy tuck performed can certainly be irritating.  The skin point of entry frequently appears a bit red when they have remained in place for a week or more.  Over time, the drains can also get a bit loose.  I agree with the advice you were given.  I don't like patients to manipulate the drains because forcing them back into the abdomen can potentially expose that healing space to new bacteria from the drain that had escaped your body a bit.  But, rest assured, drain site infections are pretty uncommon.  It is reassuring that the fluid remains normal appearing and does not smell foul.  Pus usually looks more thick, cloudy, and can smell bad.  Let your surgeon know if you have fever above 101 or if your symptoms worsen or the drainage changes.  I really prefer to have the drains out before 2 weeks but I know that some drains remain too high of output for the surgeon to be comfortable pulling them and that may be the case for you.  Sometimes there are substances we can inject through the drain to help diminish drains that continue to persist with higher output.  Please call or see your surgeon if you remain worried.  Good luck!

If your drain tubes are loose and causing pain your surgeon needs to examine the area. As you have already been instructed, do not push the tubes back into the body. Sometimes the area around the entry point can become irritated and that may be what is occurring, but it is best to have your surgeon evaluate the situation.

Please talk to your surgeon as soon as you can about the fact that they aren't staying put and that you've pushed one back in.