Can I pull my drain out myself?

Question

I'm 11 days post op. When I saw my doctor a week after my tt, ba, bbl, he only pulled out one drain. I feel they both should have come out at that time, but anyway. .. I don't see him until Monday (3 more days!) Not much is draining from it, and it's inconvenient and annoying to say the least. Will he be mad if I do it myself? Am I able to do it myself?

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

This is probably something you should ask your surgeon directly. Removing a drain can increase your risk of infection or other complication, so your surgeon will probably want to do it him/herself.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Unless specifically instructed by your plastic surgeon you should leave your drains in place until he takes them out himself.

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

First, the plastic surgeon should be deciding when the drains come out.  The decision is not simple enough that you should be making it.  There was obviously a reason the plastic surgeon decided to leave this drain in place.  Second, if you break a piece of the drain off inside the wound when trying to pull it out, it will require surgery to remove the fragment.  You certainly should not be pulling your own drains out.

Germán Newall, MD, FACS, FICS · Answer

Please visit your plastic surgeon and have him/her or the medical assistant take the drains out. You want a professional to take the drains out, so no problems arise.

Angela Champion, MD · Answer

Absolutely not recommended to pull out your own drains.  Call your surgeon's office and make an earlier appt. if you can.  I realize drains aren't the most comfortable, but they are placed for a reason so try to be patient and follow your surgeon's instructions.  ac

Humberto Palladino, MD, FACS · Answer

Drain management is part of the surgical treatment and should be directed by your surgeon. Please talk to him prior to removing any drains. We understand drains can be quite bothering and 3 days is a short wait time. This is not about the surgeon getting mad, is about the best outcome for you.

Matthew H. Steele, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  No, do not take out your own drain.  Please follow up on Monday as scheduled.  Your surgeon has a reason why they did not pull the second drain.  Often I will not pull two drains in the same location.  Good luck.

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for your question and I would call your surgeon and ask him this same question and see what his thoughts are.  He probably will give you the OK sign.Dr. Corbin

M. Dean Vistnes, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

No, you should not pull out your own drain. Contact your surgeons office and schedule a sooner appointment for the drain to be removed if it ready and if your surgeon does not feel the drain is ready to come out he can explain the problems that come with removing a drain too soon. Have patience with your recovery and trust in your surgeon. He is your be resource.

Can I pull my drain out myself?

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