Normal drain timeline for mommy makeover?

Question

Hello! I have had a mommy makeover (TT, liposuction of flanks and front, breast augmentation - no lift) and in good shape before surgery. I am on day 18 with one drain left and still draining around 50cc per day... Is my body slow to recovery or is this normal for a drain to linger on and keep draining? My plastic surgeon didn’t seem worried, so neither am I. Just curious. :)

James H. Rogers, MD · Answer

Most surgeons place drains when performing an abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck. This is to remove the large amount of fluid weepage by the tissues. Typically , when the drainage has dropped below a certain level ( 30 cc is frequently used) , the drain(s) is removed. Most frequently this occurs within the first two weeks, but may take longer. Occasionally this can take a month or more in some patients. Rarely does drainage persist to a point that other measures are required. In my experience, younger patients that are more active immediatly after surgery experience more prolonged drainage. Also , diligent use of compression postoperatively can help reduce the drainage. Removing the drain too early can result in the buildup of fluid (seroma) which requires aspiration or removal. The latter is one of the most common problems experienced after the procedure.

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

The amount of time for drains varies per patient. Drains reduce the chance of infection and speed up recovery by preventing a build up of fluids in the surgical site. The color and amount of fluid will determine when the drains can safely be removed. Be sure to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to learn all of your options. Good luck.

Sacha Obaid, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! For my patients, drain removal depends on the amount of fluid each drain produces per 24 hour period and varies per patient. On average, they are removed between 2-3 weeks. I recommend discussing specific post op protocols with your plastic surgeon. Best of luck!

Carolina Restrepo, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Every surgeon will have his/her own preferences as to recovery for specific procedures. We generally remove drains around 10 days after surgery.  Combination procedures can give powerful results but SAFETY is KEY.  You definitely have to choose your surgeon correctly and make sure that he/she has the training and experience to meet your goals with absolute safety.  Don’t settle for less than a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with specialized expertise in this procedure.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

PS have their own preferences for using/not using drains based upon years of training, experience, and education.  I use drains in very few procedures.  If you have a fluid collection that needs to be drained, this can compromise the incision and healing.  Drains are typically removed when the output is less than 20 mL per drain per day.
Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles, CA

Nirmal Nathan, MD · Answer

Dear coastalchic5,Thank you for your question. Most drains after a tummy tuck are out by two weeks after surgery, but everyone heals on a spectrum. Sounds like your plastic surgeon is doing the right thing, as that drain output is too high and you will get a seroma if he pull it out now.Sounds like you have the right attitude and are being patient, it will be worth it.Best regards,Nirmal R. Nathan, M.D.
  
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
  Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons
  Real Self Hall of Fame

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and congratulations on your procedure.  Each patient heals at different rates and although a bit longer than most, as long as your daily output is diminishing all is likely well.  Continue to use your compression garment and maintain close follow up with your surgeon in order to avoid any issues.  Best wishes.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear coastalchic5,
drains are used to prevent seroma after tummy tuck and most plastic surgeons remove them once the drainage reduces. Based on your description, it sounds like your plastic surgeon is doing well by keeping your drain in. If you have any concerns, I 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

Alex Campbell, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Every surgeon will have his/her own preferences as to recovery for specific procedures. We generally remove drains around 10 days after surgery. That said, you definitely have to choose your surgeon correctly and make sure that he/she has the training and experience to meet your goals with absolute safety.  A key quality indicator is Board Certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.  Don’t settle for less than a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with specialized expertise in this procedure.

Thomas E. Zewert, MD, PhD · Answer

The time may vary however it could range from 4 to 10 days. This depends on how much drainage you are getting and how often you are draining it, and the removal is determined by the Surgeon.

Normal drain timeline for mommy makeover?

Answers (15)

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