What Happens when Your Last Drain Comes out Before It is Ready?

Question

I am 18 days post-op and my second and final drain came out over night. I was still draining around 60 to 80cc a day. What should I expect my PS to do?

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear your drain came out, my guess is you had a tummy tuck. 80 cc is lot of fluid and without the drain you may form a seroma, a fluid collection. Please see her plastic surgeon immediately, he/she will discuss compression, observance, and the probability you will need the fluid to be drained with a needle in the office. Good luck

Rukmini S. Rednam, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,60-80 ccs/day is still a significant amount and may require some attention.  At times this will dry up on its own and heal without issues. More commonly though the small drain opening may heal and leave a fluid filled cavity requiring serial aspirations in clinic  or new drain placement. Rarely it my require a return to the operating room.  In cases like this I will place my patient on low dose lasix diuretics to help aide in reducing the fluid output which may be an option.  Make sure to discuss with your plastic surgeon in order to come up with a plan to treat the continued drainage. Best of Luck with your healing!Dr. Rednam

Steven L. Ringler, MD, FACS · Answer

I am sorry to hear you are having drainage issues 18 days following your tummy tuck.  The amount of fluid is pretty high, and your plastic surgeon will probably want to keep a close eye on your progress to make sure you are not developing a seroma.  Your plastic surgeon may wish to reinsert the drain or attempt to aspirate the area without a drain. Best of luck to you.

Mahlon Kerr, MD, FACS · Answer

I am sorry to hear that your drain pulled out. This happens occasionally. I would notify your plastic surgeon so that you can get an appointment to be seen. With drain output in the 60-80cc/day range its likely that you will accumulate some fluid under your skin where the drain was. This is called a seroma. Your plastic surgeon may choose to treat this fluid by removing it with a small needle and syringe which may take several times or if this dosent work may choose to place a small drain back in the area. Either approach is correct and depends on your individual case. It is also possible that you will absorb the extra fluid and no additional procedures will be needed.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	Although the premature drain &ldquo;removal&rdquo; is a nuisance,  you do not need to be too worried. It will be important to follow up with your plastic surgeon closely so he/she can evaluate you physically and drain any fluid  accumulation that occurs. Sometimes this aspiration ( which tends to be painless) needs to be repeated a few times.

	Again, the important thing is to follow up closely with your plastic surgeon.

	Best wishes.

Steven Turkeltaub, MD · Answer

Though you didn't state what your procedure was, I will assume that it was most probably a tummy tuck. The amount that was draining, 60 - 80cc per 24 hours, was still quite a lot. The odds are that you will start accumulating this fluid as a seroma. Treatment can be either repeated aspirations or re-insertion of your drain.

	Make sure that your plastic surgeon is aware of your situation. He/she should be following you very closely particularly if aspirations are being done.

John J. Corey, MD · Answer

Uh oh....But it does happen....If fluid builds back up you can drain it off a few times with a needle done in the office (and gladly you are still numb!) or a drain can be put back in if you need to....Your doctor will know...If nothing is done, fluid buildup can turn into a long term issue like a Seroma, and that is really a pain!!!

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

Just let your surgeon know. If there is a fluid build up, then another drain can be placed. After 18 days, most drains are not needed.

Robert N. Young, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

I recommend you see your surgeon so he/she can evaluate how you're doing. It sounds like you're still draining a fair amount of fluid and you'll want to take care of this to avoid complications. Sometimes fluids will collect in the abdominal space which can be aspirated with a needle in your physician's office.

Michael Hueneke, MD (retired) · Answer

Sometimes fluid reaccumulates and sometimes it does not. You and your surgeon will need to watch for this. If a significant amount does accumulate, it is advisable to have it drained.

What Happens when Your Last Drain Comes out Before It is Ready?

Answers (11)

More Tummy Tuck Questions

2 Weeks Post-Op TT, What Can I do to Slow Down Drainage?

2 Weeks Post Full Tummy Tuck, Do I Have Dog Ears? (photo)

Drain Still in and Draining Mostly Blood 14 Days After Tummy Tuck, Should I be Concerned?

I Am 4 Weeks Post Op TT, What is to Be Expected 4 Week Point? Is My Healing Process Normal?

How is the Best Way to Take a Shower After Tummy Tuck and When?

What is the Best Things to Eat After TT Post Op?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS