Drainage fluid got darker instead of lighter 10 days PO TT w/ lipo. Very concerned. Is this normal? (photo)

Question

I thought it should be clear by now

Bianca Knoll, MD · Answer

thank you for posting your question. Brownish, rusty color like appearing drainage around 10-14 days after an operation can be quiet typical for a liquifying hematoma. The fluid will eventually clear up. I hope this helped.Kind regards

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry, without an exam, it is hard to advise.  The drainage being dark usually means there is old blood that is thinning out and coming out, but please check in with your surgeon.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Hello Thank you for your question and photos. I agree with Dr. Rand, it appears to be normal drainage at this stage of your recovery. Be sure to follow up with your board certified plastic surgeon. Best regards

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. If it is dark liquid that means liquified hematoma which is dissolving. It is not unusual sometimes. Please talk to your PS and follow instructions.

Dimitri Koumanis, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. Judging from your photos and the timeline it looks as if the fluid drainage is hematoma being broken down and liquified. The fluid looks thin and that is good and normal. However in these cases I would always tell patients to check in with their plastic surgeon just to be sure.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Usually not a issue BUT have you not seen your operative surgeon since the operation??? Bet to be seen TODAY.

Paul Wigoda, MD · Answer

The fluid you show in the pictures looks fairly watery even though its a bit dark. You likely just had a small amount of blood left in the surgical site. It does not look like an infection or hematoma would look. I dont think its anything to worry about but the best thing is to check with your surgeon so he can examine you and make sure there is no hematoma present. Best of luck.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Between 10-14 days after surgery, old clotted blood will dissolve (lyse) and the fluid output in the drain will increase and become darker. This should lighten up and turn more yellow fairly soon. Please check with your doctor for their proper evaluation.

Drainage fluid got darker instead of lighter 10 days PO TT w/ lipo. Very concerned. Is this normal? (photo)

Answers (8)

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