3 weeks post-op, and Tummy Tuck drain pulled out accidentally. Is this an issue?

Question

There was a safety pin on the drain on each side, and when I accidentally pulled the drain, the safety pin went inside of me. I was able to pull the drain out with safety pin through the other side. I called my PS immediately and another drain will be placed back tomorrow, but I'm concerned about an infection or swelling. My tummy swelled up instantly on left side. I'm massaging now, should I be concerned?

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you very much for sharing your concerns with us.At this point (3 weeks post-po) the swelling have to be minimal.To reduce it, I recommend you perform daily lymphatic drainage massage therapy over the abdomen and wear a postoperative girdle from thigh to the breasts.Kind regards,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

I do not use drains any more with this procedure and have switched from pain pumps to Exparel which is a long acting injectable pain medicine like Lidocaine or Marcaine but lasts for three days. This is injected all along the muscle and skin to provide pain relief. This is termed the Pain-less, Drainless Tummy Tuck.If you go to a doctor who uses #drains, they usually stay in 3-5 days but may be required to remain in longer. The best thing to do with questions about your post-op drains is to visit your surgeon with all questions and make sure the healing is progressing as it should. Good luck.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.

I would recommend that you discuss this question with your surgeon as every surgeon has their own respective post op protocol for his/her patients.  Your surgeon is your best resource as he/she is most familiar with your medical history and how you are healing at this time.

The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

#RealSelf100Surgeon

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear about the mishap. Given that you are following up with your plastic surgeon in the very near future, I do not think that you need to be overly concerned. He/she will be able to address  the new onset swelling.   Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with long-term.

Keith Denkler, MD · Answer

The accidental pulling out of the drain should be fine.Alert your plastic surgeon and arrange to be checked for fluid buildup.

3 weeks post-op, and Tummy Tuck drain pulled out accidentally. Is this an issue?

Answers (10)

Answer: Drain accidentally removed after tummy tuck surgery…

Answer: Drain accidentally removed after tummy tuck surgery…

Answer: Should be fine

Answer: Should be fine

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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

3 weeks post-op, and Tummy Tuck drain pulled out accidentally. Is this an issue?

Answers (10)

Answer: Drain accidentally removed after tummy tuck surgery…

Answer: Drain accidentally removed after tummy tuck surgery…

Answer: Should be fine

Answer: Should be fine

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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