How long do drains typically stay in after a tummy tuck?

Question

I am 3 weeks 3 days post op with a tummy tuck and I still have one drain in. I’m still draining 40-45mls a day and my doctor won’t remove it until it gets under 30. The nurse told me he won’t keep it in any longer than 4 weeks though. Is this much drainage normal at this point? And at 4 weeks if it’s still not down and he takes them out, what will happen?

Mark Crispin, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Although every plastic surgeon has a different protocol, I also leave drains in until they have decreased output to less than 25-30ml in a 24hr period. Typically, this takes anywhere from 5-10 days, but occasionally it does take longer. I would continue with the plan your surgeon has and follow up with him. Best of luck to you!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello. Great question. Drains typically stay in anywhere from 2-3 weeks. However, it all depends on the patient's drainage. Keep following your surgeon's post op instructions.

Sacha Obaid, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! My patients typically have their drains for about 2 weeks, with one removed before the other. For removal, the drains must be under 30cc per 24 hour period. I typically don’t keep drains in passed 3 weeks, however every surgeon is different. If drains are removed too soon, a seroma can develop. A seroma is a fluid collection in a post surgical site. I recommend discussing specific post op instructions with your plastic surgeon. Best of luck!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear CLayneB,drains are usually left in place as long as they get some drainage every day. But every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Ricardo Vega, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Congratulations on your surgery! Drains are usually removed from 7 days to 2 weeks after surgery, however it all depends on how much liquid you have accumulating, it must be under 30 cc to remove minimum 25 cc in 24hrs but it is normal to leave it in for a little longer sometimes if needed. Best of luck!

Eric Chang, MD · Answer

Most of my abdominoplasty patients keep drains 5–10 days, sometimes a little longer if output is slow to taper. The goal is to remove them as early as safely possible. My team provides clear daily instructions and is always available if output suddenly increases or looks unusual. Learn more on our abdominoplasty page.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Drains are helpful after surgery to collect fluids and prevent complications such as seromas.  Drains can typically come out within 5-10 days after surgery, but this can vary.  If drains are removed too early your body will have the job of absorbing the fluid otherwise collected by the drains. I encourage you to discuss your concerns with your surgeon.  It is important that you feel comfortable with how you are progressing through recovery.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

I employ the 'open drain' by converting the suction drain to an open drain where there is constant drainage to overlying pads and gauze and the drain is pulled out 1-2 inches every day (be careful because you cannot let the drain slip back in by putting in a safety pin at skin level before snipping off the exess) until it is out.  The only bummer is you cannot shower until 24 hours after the drain is out.  Leaving a drain in for an excessive time can lead to a retrograde infection and no one wants that.  This maneuver has worked well for me over my career!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on having undergone the tummy tuck procedure. Practices will vary from one plastic surgeon to another when it comes to postoperative care, including the use of drains.  In many practices, including ours, drains are left in place as long as there is significant drainage. In most cases, drains are removed one to two weeks after surgery. Occasionally, if a patient has a higher drain output, it is prudent to keep the drains in for longer period of time.   The use of progressive tension relieving sutures (during surgery) and the use of compression and avoidance of overactivity (after surgery) may be helpful when it comes to avoidance of excessive fluid accumulation. Best wishes.

Nick Masri, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on your tummy tuck, CLayneB!
The length of time drains stay in place depends on your condition and the discretion of your plastic surgeon. 
In general, drains stay in place for two weeks. But if there’s a lot of liquid accumulating inside, then it’s okay to extend it for a couple more weeks.
Just follow the instructions of your reputable and board-certified plastic surgeon and you’ll be fine. He knows your condition best so trust his recommendations.
Best of luck!

How long do drains typically stay in after a tummy tuck?

Answers (10)

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