My drain site really hurts when I lay down. The pain is about an 8. What should I do? Is this normal?

Question

When I lay down, no matter what position, my drain hurts VERY badly. It is from a Mommy Makeover, placed in the groin area. The pain radiates to my inner thigh. The drain site is very red, and during one episode of pain, my inner thigh even turned red. The pain is a stinging, burning pain, and it only hurts when I try laying down. It is so bad that it will wake me from my sleep, and cause me to cry out. I have no apparent fever. It isn't ready to be pulled yet. What is this, and what can I do?

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

I no longer use drains when performing mommy makeover surgery. They can be painful and don't seem to be particularly useful in avoiding seromas.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Drains can commonly cause irritation to a nerve and sounds like what you are experiencing with your drain. I would recommend contacting your plastic surgeon as it sounds like your drain is causing you more discomfort than helping you at this time. If it is still draining a lot your surgeon might consider a topical pain patch/cream to help alleviate the nerve irritation. #PlasticSurgery #MommyMakeover #Drains #recovery #Healing

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about the discomfort you are experiencing; hopefully you have informed your plastic surgeon of your situation. The redness you describe may be of concern (sign of infection); it may also describe why you are having more discomfort than what is typically reported.Again, please make sure your plastic surgeon is aware of your situation.  He/she will likely have specific recommendations for you;  hopefully, removal can be done soon. Best wishes.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Drains can cause irritation around the insertion site and inside the body. Speak with your surgeon and discuss your symptoms. He/ she may approve removal due to the discomfort you are experiencing. Have a wonderful day,

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Without photos, it is difficult to tell you what you have going on.  Please be seen by your operating surgeon for a physical evaluation to ensure that you are healing well and if not, what can be done moving forward to alleviate the pain.All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

My drain site really hurts when I lay down. The pain is about an 8. What should I do? Is this normal?

Answers (9)

Answer: My drain site really hurts...

Answer: My drain site really hurts...

Answer: Pain

Answer: Pain

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My drain site really hurts when I lay down. The pain is about an 8. What should I do? Is this normal?

Answers (9)

Answer: My drain site really hurts...

Answer: My drain site really hurts...

Answer: Pain

Answer: Pain

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Mommy Makeover

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.