What happens if my drain comes loose? (Photo)

Question

I'm 3 days out from a full TT, and have noticed the last two times I've gone to the toilet that there has been a drop of blood on the right side of the seat after I get up. This is the side with my drain. My next follow up appointment is on Tuesday. I've noticed some staining on that side of the bandaging/garment. It doesn't hurt any more than the rest of it. I haven't had a lot of drainage after the first day, so if it does come loose, how bad is that? (I know the picture doesn't tell you much)

Shlomo Widder, MD · Answer

Dear MommyWolf,'   Congratulation on your tummy tuck  surgery. I do not use drain in tummy tuck, but rather, quilting sutures. However , I use it in other surgeries like liposuction of the abdomen or butt implants surgery.  Leakage around the drain is ok as long as most of the fluids go into the reservoir.  You can lift the edge of the binder and place few gauze on the drain site , so it will absorb the leaking fluid. Most likely the leaking will stop in a day or two.     Also, make sure, not to pull on the drain, in order to avoid the perforated part of the drain from coming out. So far, from looking at the reservoir, it maintains the negative pressure (it is collapsed), which means that the drain is functioning as it is supposed to.                    All the best,                                      Dr Widder

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Sometimes fluid will drain a little about around the drain. This is normal.  Unless it is excessive it should not be a problem. Best to always review with your doc.

What happens if my drain comes loose? (Photo)

Answers (2)