Do you have any ideas why my drain output is still dark red?

Question

Hi doctors! Today makes 13 days post op for a mini TT. When I had my full TT I didn’t get the drain removed until around 25 days post op. I can tell that I am draining a little less each day, but the darkness in hue is somewhat concerning. I got my hemoglobin checked yesterday and it has gone up 1.4 gdl in a week (I am also on my cycle) so I don't think I'm bleeding internally. Any idea what can be causing this?

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your excellent question.  Remaining dark red blood may be a resolving hematoma underneath the skin portion of your mini-tummytuck.  This blood initially gels and can not be removed by the drain, but after 10-14 days the gel liquifies and can be seen coming out of the drain. Talk to your surgeon to ensure everything looks good with your healing and that you are progressing as expected.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Dark red blood in the drain at 13 days after tummy tuck may be a little hematoma that has liquefied and has finally drained.  If the drainage picks up or continues, see your plastic surgeon for an evaluation.  Usually at 3 weeks, drains are ready to come out.  Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear tr_to_dr,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. Based on your description, your dark red drainage is probably caused by old hematoma drainage. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment. Only after thorough examination you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Both color and volume of drain output is important. However, each independent of the other tells less than the sum of the two. Darker drainage may be indicative of resolution of an older hematoma or bloody collection (as opposed to bright red output). It may initially increase in output and then quickly taper off.Persistently high outputs should prompt evaluation.As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Persistent drainage needs to be evaluated by your surgeon.  The purpose of drains is to collect fluids from the surgical site to aid healing.  Drains are often able to be removed after 7 to 14 days.  Your surgeon is most familiar with the details of your surgery and how you've been progressing through recovery.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

The dark color is still some old blood than is being removed. It probably will lighten up over the next few days.

Do you have any ideas why my drain output is still dark red?

Answers (6)

More Mini Tummy Tuck Questions

6 weeks post-op. I have overhang after mini tummy tuck. Will it go away? (photos)

Repaired outie to innie becoming an outie again, can a revision be performed under local anesthesia? (Photos)

Hi I’m only 8 days post op from a mini. Wondering now if I can get a full if I’m not satisfied. After swelling.

I am 12 days post mini tummy tuck. Should I be this tired? (photos)

Pins and needles left thigh after Tummy Tuck - Is this due to surgery or because of all the changes in habit

Will I be able to travel 2 1/2 weeks after mini tummy tuck?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS