Surgical Drainage from light red to foul smelling dark red.

Question

I had both a Tummy Tuck and Buttocks lift one week ago. Since then, my drains have been red with yellowish puss, however on the 4th day of drainage the blood turned dark red and started to smell foul. Should I be concerned that it went from light red to dark foul smelling red? CC drainage is around 50 CC daily of the dark foul smelling red liquid. I feel lighted sometimes during the day and have some headaches, but I have no fever. My temperature is around 98 F.

Joel Patrick Maier, MD · Answer

Usually the drainage is a clear yellow color by day 4. If it is cloudy, then you need to see your plastic surgeon ASAP to make sure your not infected.

Daniel Brown, MD, FACS · Answer

This is quite concerning.  Foul smelling discharge can indicate infection and a change from light red to dark red can indicate a liquefying hematoma (clotted blood collection).  Regardless, this should definitely be quickly evaluated by your surgeon.  Please call them for their earliest possible appointment.  If there is any sign of fever or increasing redness you may wish to be evaluated in an emergency room.  Best wishes!

Yily De Los Santos, MD · Answer

Thank for your question!Make an appointment with your plastic surgeon, then he will send you to do some laboratory test of your drainage to see if there is a patogen in it and tell you the appropiate threatment.Have a nice day!

George Lefkovits, MD · Answer

I would suggest that you return to your plastic surgeon to evaluate your drainage to make sure that it is not infected.

Robert M. Kachenmeister, MD · Answer

Your change in drainage color to dark red may indicate that you had a small bleed under your TT flap. Not to worry though as this can happen. The important things to consider: 1) are you still on antibiotics? 2) has your surgeon taken any cultures yet? 3) is there any unusual area of swelling that may indicate a hematoma or abcess? 4) Do you see any redness in the skin of the TT flap? Your surgeon will be watching you closely so make sure you go to all of your follow up appointments.  Best of luck!

Surgical Drainage from light red to foul smelling dark red.

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Surgical Drainage from light red to foul smelling dark red.

Answers (5)

Answer: BBL inquiry - would I be a good candidate for just the BBL? (Photo)

Answer: BBL inquiry - would I be a good candidate for just the BBL? (Photo)

Answer: Change in drainage color

Answer: Change in drainage color

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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.