How long is too long to keep a Tummy Tuck drain in after surgery? 4 weeks post op.

Question

My lower an drain has been in 4 weeks now and the fluid coming out is cloudy and chunky. It is still putting out 50 a day. I am also on i.v. anti biotics for group c strep and Staph.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

50 cc's  of fluid a day is still probably too much, I usually remove the drain when it is less than 25 cc's, continue to follow your PS's advise.

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

jdub1005.   Sometimes drains need to stay in longer after this surgery.  Wound infection further complicates your recovery.  For this reason, follow your surgeon’s advice carefully and see your doctor frequently until all issues resolve.  Good luck!

Mathew A. Plant, MD, FRCSC · Answer

4 weeks is a very long time to have a drain, but the volume you are describing it putting out indicates that it is still needed. Especially since this seems to be in the face of an infection the drain sounds like it may still need to be there until the infection is cleared up. This is not something that online consultants can really help with, so I would suggest that you get a second opinion if you are concerned with your current treatment. Best of luck!

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

I personally don't use drains but 4 weeks seems an unusually long time for a drain to be in place.

Justin P. Martin, MD, FACS · Answer

Four weeks is longer than average, but at 50cc per day, it is still needed.  The output will eventually decrease, but it is doing its job and needs to stay in.  Please follow your surgeon's advice and remember that patients pays off.  Best of luck with your recovery.

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

This sounds complicated with the infection so it is not appropriate to give advise without a proper evaluation.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and congratulations on having undergone the tummy tuck procedure.  Your description of the quantity and quality of drainage is certainly concerning for the presence of a problem, such as an infection.  Unfortunately, online consultants will not be of much specific help to you, given what sounds like a complicated postoperative course.
  Best advice: close/frequent follow-up with your plastic surgeon.
  Best wishes.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The length of time a drain remains in place is determined individually by surgeon and patient circumstances.  They are a point of entry for infection, so surgeons will monitor output closely and remove drains when desired output levels are achieved.  I recommend speaking with your surgeon regarding your concerns to get clarification on when the drain will be removed.

How long is too long to keep a Tummy Tuck drain in after surgery? 4 weeks post op.

Answers (8)

More Mommy Makeover Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (8)

More Mommy Makeover Questions

Should I have done a colonic hydrotherapy one week prior to mommy makeover?

I am having a tummy tuck and breast lift in two days. What is the typical measurement of nicotine that they test for?

Why is acetaminophen more favored over ibuprofen from the PS community?

Retin-A cream on TT scar, Would this help with the scars appearance? (photos)

I had a mommy makeover. Can I take Meloxicam?

For a tummy tuck is it better to use Marcaine alone or Marcaine with adrenaline?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS