I had a tummy tuck 5 days ago How can I suppress the burning sensation of milking left drain ?? Help

Patients often complain about discomfort related to their drains after tummy tuck procedures, especially when they have to milk them. Generally this is from the drain rubbing against the raw area where it exits the body. Try to keep the drain tube as steady as possible right near the skin while milking it. Since patients are often more bothered by their drains than anything else after a tummy tuck, this is why many surgeons are now performing "drainless" tummy tucks. I never use drains after a tummy tuck, and I find my patients are a lot more comfortable.Emile Brown, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Johns Hopkins & Harvard Trained

Dear Sweetie4929,
drains are used in order to reduce swelling and avoid seroma formation and most plastic surgeons use it in tummy tuck procedures. In some cases drains can cause unpleasant sensations like burning or stabbing but it resolves quickly. If your problem isn't resolving, I suggest you to visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Drains are helpful after a tummy tuck to collect fluids as the body heals and prevent seroma formation. A burning sensation is likely related to a nearby nerve being irritated by the location of the drain. It should subside as soon as the drains are removed. Speak with your surgeon if it becomes too uncomfortable. You may want to take pain medication 30-45 minutes prior to caring for your drains.

you must make sure the drain is secured near the skin so it doesn't pull on the anchoring suture or rub in and out of the access site.  If the site is progressively reddening, you should see your surgeon as you could also have an early cellulitis.  Make sure the drainage is stable in characteristics and not becoming smelly, cloudy, or thicker.  In the end, you must see or ask your surgeon for advice if this is not getting better.

Hi and welcome to our forum!
I note that you are experiencing the burning sensation at the left drain exit site only, suggesting that the right drain is asymptomatic.
To prevent accumulation of fluid in the surgical area, drains are placed through puncture wounds created in the pubic area. The site of exit can often become irritated by body motion. One drain may be more sensitive than the other. When milking the drain, be sure to totally immobilize the tubing at the exit site to minimize irritation. If the drain is held in position with tape, it may require readjustment. Some physicians advocate the use of a topical anesthetic cream. If the site has become reddened or if there is an increase or change in the nature of drainage around the tubing, notify your plastic surgeon.
Best wishes...