Is 500 mL/day of drainage normal after tummy tuck?

Question

So I am seven days out from a full tummy tuck and I still have my drain and I am emptying it 4 to 5 times a day so that totals about 500 mL a day of serosanguineous blood… Is that normal?

Erik Miles, MD, FACS · Answer

Your drainage amount of 500 mL a day after one week is somewhat excessive.  If the drains are in a location where aggressive liposuction was done, the output can be high.  Bring this to the attention of your surgeon. Best wishes to you.

Sacha Obaid, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  The drainage amount that you are reporting appears high at 7 days post-op.  Has your activity level increased recently?  I would follow up with your plastic surgeon for an in person examination.  Continue to stay well hydrated.  Best of luck!

Deborah Sillins, MD · Answer

If you are draining about 500ml per day that is a bit much.Make sure you follow up with your Plastic surgeon closely.

Frederick G. Weniger, MD, FACS, MBA · Answer

Thank you for your question. In areas that are liposuctioned aggressively it is normal to have a large amount of drainage post-op, even several days. However, 500ml a day is a lot of drainage. If you have increased your activity level drastically, that could be a cause of increased drainage, but usually my numbers for each drain (one on the left, one on the right) total around 50ml a day a couple of days after surgery. I would recommend reporting to your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon as only he/she know the details of your surgery and can understand why there may be so much drainage. Good luck and best wishes!

Nick Masri, MD, FACS · Answer

First of all, congratulations on your tummy tuck, prossbis!
I suggest that you consult your reputable and board-certified plastic surgeon regarding your drainage. It should be decreasing as time goes by, so you need to get yourself checked up. Only your plastic surgeon will know the answer to your question once he examines you.
Good luck!

Juan Quintero, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.
You should contact your surgeon because your drain output is a little high. It's normal to still have a drain for 1-4 weeks. Keep track of your output and how you feel, and the color of the drain fluid. Best of luck!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Have you spoken to your surgeon about the drainage amount?  It seems to be on the high side at this point in recovery, but it truly depends on the details of your surgery.  Your surgeon is the best person to advise you on this situation.

George Lefkovits, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Drainage of 500cc 1 week following a TT is quite high; the drains can often be removed by this time. You should follow up with your surgeon.

Is 500 mL/day of drainage normal after tummy tuck?

Answers (8)

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