Surgical Drainage from light red to foul smelling dark red.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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