Drain is leaking 19 days after surgery. What can I do? (Photo)

Question

Hello I had my surgery 19 days ago. My drain hole still open and leaking. I believe the compression garment is not helping it to get better . I am using neosporin after shower 1x a day .. help please ! What can I do do it get better ???

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry, you may have a fluid collection.  Please see your surgeon to discuss and good luck.

Luis A. Mejia, MD · Answer

Good afternoon. thanks for your question. The drainage holes usually takes more than a week to close in some patients, it is normal to lick from there while it's getting closed, if you want to get drained you should go to your surgeon, but everything seems to be pretty normal from the pictures.

Nathan Eberle, MD, DDS, FACS · Answer

better that it is coming out than staying in. It will close with time when the drainage slows down. I would just communicate with your surgeon

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  Depending on the timing since your drain was removed it often takes several days for the site to seal fully.  If it has been more than 4-5 days I would contact your surgeon as you may have a residual fluid collection that needs to be evaluated and treated for complete resolution.  Hope this help.

Christopher J. Davidson, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photograph.  Some leaking from the drain site is quite normal.  You picture indicates that you are healing well.  That being said, best to follow up with your plastic surgeon to confirm.  Good luck.

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

The drainhole usually stops leaking within a day or two after pulling the drain. There are circumstances that it may stay open longer, that aren't significant. Check with your plastic surgeon to see how they want to manage this.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Contact your surgeon regarding how to handle a drain site that continues to seep after surgery.  If the area is not infected and the drainage is minimal, keep the area clean and cover with a dry dressing until you can see your surgeon.

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

This will reduce over time and as the fluid reduces the wound will close. Keep in tcouh with your PS - the key is the wound odes not get infected.

Tyler C. Street, MD · Answer

Drain holes usually close a few days after pulling the drain.  If there is still fluid in there, then it may still leak out of that hole, which is better than it staying inside your body.  Continue to keep it clean and moist.

Patricia Yugueros, MD · Answer

It is unusual to be draining from a drain site almost 3 weeks after removal, the drain site usually closes within 48 hours. The site looks red and inflamed, I think there maybe a superficial infection, you should follow up with your plastic surgeon to see if he will recommend to start oral antibiotics.

Drain is leaking 19 days after surgery. What can I do? (Photo)

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