Is Fat in a JP Drain Normal After Tummy Tuck and Liposuction?

Question

I am postoperative day 5 from a full tt and thigh liposuction. I have 2 drains in place which had been draining serosanginous fluid, but one drain now has some stringy white particles in it. I have no fever and the abdominal pain is improving every day. After calling my surgeon he feels this is a small amount of residual fat and is not concerned. Is this common?

Elizabeth Slass Lee, MD · Answer

Drains are placed after tummy tuck to remove fluids that accumulate after this type of surgery. Small particles of fat or protein strands may be visible in the drains. You were correct in calling your surgeon and as long as you have no signs of infection, this is probably entirely normal.

Todd C. Case, MD · Answer

The stringy white stuff in the drain tubes or bulbs is not unusual.  It is benign debris, usually from protein in the draining serosanguinous fluid.

Is Fat in a JP Drain Normal After Tummy Tuck and Liposuction?

Answers (2)