Aren't they suppose to stitch, drain hole from the Tummy Tuck after they pull it out of the body?

Question

How long does it take to  heal if left opened? tummy tuck, stitches, drains, holes, lopened

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

It isn't necessary to stitch close the incisions where the drains are inserted because they are very small and heal well on their own. Normally, they are dressed with a bandage and in a bit they will close on their own. Just make sure to keep the are clean and not submerge yourself in a bath while they heal.

Robert F. Centeno, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Most surgeons leave drain holes open to heal on their own to reduce the risk of an infection.  It is best to care for it by keeping it clean and covered with a small dressing like a Band-Aid. Ask you surgeon for recommendations for care of the drain site. Best wishes.

Don W. Griffin, MD · Answer

Drain holes will close on their own and don't need suturing. It will usually seal in a few days and have a scab that will come off within a few weeks.

Ram Kalus, MD, FACS · Answer

Your darin stitch is NOT supposed to be stitched, and if the drainage stops it should close up within 24-48 hours, and be healed within a week. The final scar will take at least a year to look the way it will look long term.

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

We do not stitch the drain holes closed because that would actually increase your chance of infection.  The heal by secondary intention in about 4-5 days

Heather Rocheford, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It is normal to remove the drain and leave the hole open.  I usually put a little antibiotic ointment on it and gauze after the removal of the drain.  They do heal and close on there own nicely. Follow your Plastic Surgeons wound care instructions.  If you have concerns I would recommend following up with your plastic surgeon.  Best of Luck.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

The incision site for the drains will close on their own and do not need to be sutured.  These areas usually heal quite well.

Erik Hoy, MD · Answer

The drains used after tummy tuck or body contouring procedures are small, non-reactive silicone tubes.  Once they are removed the elastic properties of your tissues start to collapse the drain tract.  The small entry site of the drain heals on its own in several days.  I typically cover this area with a small antibiotic-containing dressing and have not had to suture a drain site after removal.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

NO!, in 99% of cases that opening closed by secondary intention healing event. If the opening is larger than yes I might suture it. But best to see your surgeon ASAP! Or call my office for in person care..

Peter Kreymerman, MD, FACS · Answer

Domiana,Drain holes are not stiched and heal closed within a few days.  Until then some minor drainage is normal.Best Regards,Dr. K

Aren't they suppose to stitch, drain hole from the Tummy Tuck after they pull it out of the body?

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