Is it normal to have one of my drain tubes leaking after breast reduction surgery?

Question

Both breasts have drains in them but the left one is leaking at the entry site. From what I can see the tube is still in the breast but fluid is leaking onto my breast binder. Is this ok?

Paul Vitenas, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you very much for your
question and photographs.  Congratulations on your tummy
tuck.  Some amount of leakage along the
incision site of a drain is not uncommon after surgery.  I would recommend that you follow-up with your
operating surgeon to discuss this situation.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

The tubes can leak around the drain site quite commonly however they should be examined by your surgeon as this can be due to the tube being clogged which can be resolved with stripping the drain or may just need to be removed. I would recommend placing absorbent pads around the area that is leaking to not soil your clothes and contact your surgeon. #PlasticSurgery #BreastReduction #JPdrains #Healing #Recovery

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

Thanks for your question. It all depends on the amount of breast tissue removed and the amount of fluid that is draining. The larger the breast thats removed the longer it tends to drain. The surgeon should not remove it until there is at most a minimal amount of drainage left. Hope this helps,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

David Finkle, MD · Answer

There is always some oozing and drainage after breast reduction surgery.  This may persist for 2-3 weeks, and one breast always oozes more than the other.  Please cover the oozing site with sterile gauze and keep wearing the supportive bra until the oozing stops.  Your surgeon will remove the drain when he/she feels it is appropriate.  You will be OK.

Is it normal to have one of my drain tubes leaking after breast reduction surgery?

Answers (4)

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