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

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!

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

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!

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.

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!

Drainage tubes always leaves holes after being pulled  out. The most time we leave the drainage the more time it takes to the holes to close. The holes close second intention naturally from the inside out.You must keep the skin dry and if some fluid is still oozing use a sanitary pad to avoid soiling your compression garment. Keep closely in touch with your plastic surgeon.

Tummy tuck drainage tube holes typically close by themselves.  If the drains have been in for a while the holes may take a week or more to close off but they eventually do so.  Dressing care as instructed by your plastic surgeon to that area is all that is needed.  Once they heal, if the scar is objectionable it can be removed and sutured into a fine line.All the best,Dr. Remus Repta