Is very little yellow in the drain okay? 10 days post-op.

Question

Its day 10 after tummytuck, i am now down to draining 100 within 24 hours with two tubes. I dont see the color of drain changing. It still looks red with a very little yellow. Its been that color for days. Is that normal?

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It sounds like your drainage is normal.  The fluid should be watery in consistency.  Small clots are also normal.  Keep in contact with your surgeon about any concerns that you have.  It is important that you feel comfortable and confident in your recovery.

Russell Babbitt, MD · Answer

Hi, congrats on your recent surgery! The color of your drainage sounds very normal for that time frame after surgery. As long as the drainage is thin fluid, and does not turn cloudy/thick or have large blood clots in the bulb, it is likely normal. Your surgeon will remove the drain when the output is low enough, so for now just keep doing your drain care and good luck with recovery.

Is very little yellow in the drain okay? 10 days post-op.

Answers (2)