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

Question

I am now two weeks post op after Tummy Tuck and Breast Implants. My drain tubes for tummy tuck have slipped out slightly and one hurts and is slightly inflammed at point of entry. Is this normal? The fluid is the expected color with no odor but I was pushing them back in until today when I was told not to do that. I am worried I might have really screwed up. No fever but I was having Hot/Cold spurts last night. Any suggestions. My doc says not to worry, but he is two hours away and I am worried!

Jennifer Lauren Crawford, MD · Answer

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!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

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.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

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.

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

That's right. Don't push the drains back in as this can introduce bacteria into your incision. See your plastic surgeon when his office opens to see if the drains need to be removed.  Yes, it is normal for the drains to be uncomfortable at times but if the pain and redness are increasing you need to be seen sooner rather that later.  If you get fever and chills/sweats, go to your closest emergency room.  Also, if you think you are getting sick, you can call your plastic surgeon's answering service to be connected to the doctor on call.  I hope this helps.

Armando Soto, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi there-

	What you are describing sounds within the normal experience of the majority of patients- except for the hot/cold thing... if this worsens and you begin to have a fever, you need to communicate this to your surgeon asap.

	Otherwise the only other thing to say is that I agree pushing the drain back into your body is not a good idea.

	When in doubt, call your surgeon's office.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Unfortunately drains can become irritating after a while.  You should not push the drains back in so that any potential bacteria on the outside of the drain is not pushed beneath the skin.  You are two weeks out so it may be reasonable to have the drains removed if they are not producing a lot of fluid per day.  Speak with your PS concerning that issue.

	Dr. ES

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

Answers (12)

Answer: Drains slipping out after tummy tuck

Answer: Drains slipping out after tummy tuck

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Answer: Drain pain after Tummy Tuck

Answer: Tummy Tuck Drains

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Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.