How much fluid should be draining 6 days post op after tummy tuck?

Question

I am 6 days PO tummy tuck with muscle repair and no lipo. In the past 24 hours a total of 25 CCs came out of my left drain (fluid was light pink) and 10 CCs out of my right (fluid was light red) I am even stripping the drains like my PS showed me. is this an adequate amount? I was anticipating more output considering my PS said one drain will come out 1 week PO and the other drain 2 weeks PO. Thank you for your help.

Richard A. Bartlett, MD · Answer

Dear Goodbyetumtum, 25 cc and 10 cc from your drains sounds like normal drainage 6 days post op, and it is good that the output is lightening. All surgeons have different policies for when drains are to be removed, in our office as long as drainage is less then 10 cc in 24 hours then we will remove them. I would double check with your operating surgeon but it sounds like you are right on schedule. Best of luck!

Christian N. Ford, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and congratulations on your surgery!  It sounds like you are doing an excellent job of following your plastic surgeon's postprocedure drain care instructions.  Drain output can be variable and what you are describing sounds like normal output.  I typically remove a drain when the output is less than 20 cc per drain per day for three days in a row.  If your drain output is less than anticipated, it may be possible for your plastic surgeon to remove your drains sooner rather than later.  Your plastic surgeon will be able to best determine when your drains can be removed.  Please stay in close contact will your plastic surgeon and continue to follow his or her instructions.  Best wishes!

How much fluid should be draining 6 days post op after tummy tuck?

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How much fluid should be draining 6 days post op after tummy tuck?

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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.