Very dark blood and odor from drain 9 days post TT. Do I have an infection?

Question

I am 9 days post TT drains still in not scheduled to come out for 4 more days. When draining I noticed the Odor and very dark color of my blood should I be worried

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Thank your for your question, I would recommend you follow up with your PS to discuss your concerns, just be patient you are still very early in the haling stage.Best wishes.

Paul Vitenas, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you very much
for your question and congratulations on your recent tummy tuck procedure. Over
the first several days of recovery, your drainage may change in color, from a
dark red to pale and clear. The dark blood you are seeing may be normal.
However, the foul odor could be a sign of something more serious. Without an
in-person examination, it is hard to provide any further advice. I suggest
reaching out to your operating surgeon for an evaluation. Carefully follow
his/her advice to ensure a safe recovery

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and congratulations on your procedure!  Although mild bloody drainage and odor accompanies most tummy tuck drains I would reach out to your surgeon if this has been a change in your recovery to ensure that all is healing well.  Hope this helps.

Scott E. Kasden, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi.Sorry to hear this.  First, the color of the drainage changes over time, and can be dark red (blood clots, resolving blood clots, etc.), and without additional information, it is impossible to state the importance.Likewise, body fluids will have an odor at times and doesn't always mean something ominous.  I would advise you to contact your doctor and let him weigh in.  Also, take your temperature, look at the wound (red, swelling, tender, increased localized temp?), and tell the office how you are feeling and anything that is new or different regarding your post op progress.sek

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I would contact your surgeon regarding the drainage color and odor.  Typically the drainage will get lighter in color as healing progresses.  Your surgeon will best advise you on how to proceed.

John E. Nees, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!Drainage following abdominoplasty can range in color significantly from gross bloody drainage to clear serous drainage. On occasion, the drainage may represent old blood, which will be dark and with clots, but the volume should be minimal. I would check to be sure the drain is patent (open) and milk it if necessary. I am more concerned about the odor of the drainage. If you are emptying the drains 3 or more times per day, there should be no significant odor. Check frequently to ensure you are not demonstrating increasing pain, redness, swelling, or fever, which would suggest infection. If concerned, notify your surgeon..Best wishes!

Very dark blood and odor from drain 9 days post TT. Do I have an infection?

Answers (6)

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