3 weeks post op, I have hole where drainage tubes were. Any suggestions? (photos)

Question

I had my TT drainage tubes in for 3 weeks. Both sides became loose for 5 days. I pulled them out the day before my appointment. Now I'm left with 2 huge holes that ooze white yellow. Not an infection. They look horrible. Is this common? What can I do to help this stay clean and close.

Jeffrey A. Sweat, MD · Answer

While it is common to have a drainage tube(s) after a tummy tuck, having them in place for longer than a week is not the norm, but everyone is different on how long the tubes need to stay in place.  Don't worry about the drain exit sites as these will heal properly on their own.  The drainage you are experiencing is likely from the fluid the drains would have otherwise drained and will slowly taper off and the holes will close on their own.  Best of luck with your recovery!

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photographs. These holes are common after your drainage tubes are removed, but the body will eventually close them from the inside out, as part of the healing process. It looks as if the white-yellow ooze is fibrinous tissue that can be removed by your surgeon to help the healing process along. Be sure to communicate with your surgeon about your concerns, but hang in there, these will heal with time

David Finkle, MD · Answer

A very common occurrence after a tummy tuck is fat necrosis or fat death.  When tissues are shifted or moved in surgery, like a tummy tuck, the blood supply to the skin and to the fat cells are disrupted.  Sometimes, the skin or fat does not survive the disruption and dies.  If the skin dies, it turns black (necrotic) and the wound can open and separate, this is usually very obvious.  However, if fat dies, it is under the skin and we cannot see it.  The dead fat cells will turn to a yellow liquid ooze and will persist for weeks.  Fat necrosis, in and of itself, is not dangerous, except it is a horrible nuisance and can lead to a secondary infection.Treatment of fat necrosis is open drainage, or aspiration with a needle, if localized (seroma), antibiotics if needed and patience.  It will eventually stop, but it may take weeks and weeks. Based on the description and photos provided, you have fat necrosis.  Allow it to drain, if it becomes pussy, red, painful or you start to run a fever, then antibiotics need to be started.  Once the drainage stops, the holes will scar down and close on their own.  Occasionally, a minor touch up procedure may be needed to revise areas of fat necrosis or depressed scars, but I would allow 3-6 months to pass before making that judgement.Good Luck!

Anh Lee, MD, FACS · Answer

With some local wound care the holes should heal from the inside out and you should let your PS know what is going on so that you can be seen and told what to do.  Wound care usually requires washing area daily with soap and water and letting the area dry.  You can then place gauze to cover the small openings.

Eduardo Mejia, MD · Answer

thanks for the question and pictures. you should contact your plastic surgeon , its being 3 weeks already, normally it closes by itself. you should beware of what your using as dressing and the care your taking. good luck!

3 weeks post op, I have hole where drainage tubes were. Any suggestions? (photos)

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Answer: Drainage tube holes

Answer: Drainage tube holes

Answer: 3 weeks post op, I have hole where drainage tubes were. Any suggestions?

Answer: 3 weeks post op, I have hole where drainage tubes were. Any suggestions?

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3 weeks post op, I have hole where drainage tubes were. Any suggestions? (photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Drainage tube holes

Answer: Drainage tube holes

Answer: 3 weeks post op, I have hole where drainage tubes were. Any suggestions?

Answer: 3 weeks post op, I have hole where drainage tubes were. Any suggestions?

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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