Will surgical drain holes visible on my belly go away?

Question

Two weeks ago had a Vaser Hi Def lipo surgery and scar revision from a previous tummy tuck surgery. My surgery was done abroad. For the first time I was given surgical drains. After the drains were removed, 4 deep holes on my stomach are now visible. Which worries me. Is this normal? Will this disappear? I have emailed the surgeon without any response.

Ned Snyder, IV, MD · Answer

Thank you for submitting your questions/concerns.  Once drains are removed, there is a small opening in the skin where the drain exiting the body.  This hole usually closes up within a few days.  Since this was an opening in the skin, it can leave a small scar in its place once you are healed.  These scars are usually very small and blend with time, making them difficult to see.  If you feel that these areas are scarring inappropriately, you should be evaluated by a plastic surgeon.  If your original surgeon is unresponsive, you will need to establish a new relationship with a local plastic surgeon.  Good luck in your recovery and thank you again for reaching out.

Sabrina Fabi, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question, and I understand your concerns. Surgical drains usually leave relatively small holes behind that tend to heal well and leave minimal scarring. However, if you are concerned about them, I encourage you to schedule an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist in your area that can assess the holes and determine whether any additional aftercare is necessary. If the residual scarring is not to your satisfaction, you can work with the same provider to design a scar revision treatment that will reduce the scarring and give you the results you ultimately want. Good luck to you!

Will surgical drain holes visible on my belly go away?

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Will surgical drain holes visible on my belly go away?

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