I had a drain pulled following abdominoplasty and the tubing broke off inside of me. The dr says it's ok, is this true?

Question

There is about 1.5 inches remaining inside that wasn't "torn" out. The nurses were visibly confused And called the dr in. My plastic surgeon said this is not that uncommon- it probably got caught in one of the progressive sutures. He is a reputable surgeon with a lot of experience and he assured me it is made of the same thing that my implants are and that it would be more harmful to go in and take the small piece ouout. Is this the case or should I be alarmed?

M. Scott Haydon, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. I've seen this once in 15 years. I elected to remove it. It's almost right at the incision site. Honestly, I really don't think it would cause a problem but I didn't want to take any chances. Best of Luck!

Steven J. Rottman, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. I'm sorry to hear of your post-operative drain issue. This is a foreign body which needs to be removed. I suggest having a discussion with your plastic surgeon. Hope this helps.

N. Bill Aydin, MD · Answer

Hi, Thank you for your question. I have never had this happen. It is certainly not a common thing that occurs. I would be concerned with infection and would certainly not leave it inside of you. I would discuss these concerns with your plastic surgeon.

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

It is completely uncommon. The difference between this and an implant is that an implant is sterile.   This by definition is not.  It was connected to the outside world.  It is a contaminated foreign body that must be removed.

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is rare what you have described. But we consider this as foreign body and recommend to remove it. Please talk to your PS

I had a drain pulled following abdominoplasty and the tubing broke off inside of me. The dr says it's ok, is this true?

Answers (7)

Answer: Contaminated foreign body that must be removed

Answer: Contaminated foreign body that must be removed

Answer: Drain tube broke off inside of me

Answer: Drain tube broke off inside of me

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I had a drain pulled following abdominoplasty and the tubing broke off inside of me. The dr says it's ok, is this true?

Answers (7)

Answer: Contaminated foreign body that must be removed

Answer: Contaminated foreign body that must be removed

Answer: Drain tube broke off inside of me

Answer: Drain tube broke off inside of me

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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