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

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.-

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.

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

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

Fluid accumulation is the most likely explanation for your swelling after drain removal, infection is less likely.  Notifying your plastic surgeon was the right thing to do.

Personally I do not use drains for abdominoplasty procedures. I would see no reason to put a drain back in and would not be overly concerned that it has fallen out. Might even be for the best! but make sure you see your PS and take his/her advice.

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.

Everyone is different in regards to whether they need a drain or not. Surgical technique(plane/extent of dissection, whether quilting sutures were used, bovie vs scalpel dissection) and patient factors(higher BMI) can effect how much fluid you make after surgery. I routinely place drains as I feel it is safer to be cautious and avoid problems before they arise. Your instant swelling is unlikely to be infection as it takes several days for an infection to form. Most likely it is benign serous fluid which can be drained by your surgeon. 

You should follow closely with your surgeon to make sure everything is ok.  Best of luck with your results.

i almost never use drains with my TT. however many plastic surgeons still do. usually the drains are removed by 7-14 days. Sometimes if the drains are left for a long period of time, like 3 weeks. they stimulate fluid production and you may be better off with the drainage tubes removed.good luckdavid berman