3 Weeks Post Op TT Draining 50cc's a Day, What Are my Options?

Question

I am 3 weeks post op of a full tummy tuck and breast augmentation with a lift and still with one drain in. It is starting to really be of a discomfort and painful to me. I have been healing very well. I was off of prescription pain killers by day 3, off of Tylenol by day 5. Could stand straight up by one week post op. The incision is healing very well. My movements have been very limited as advised by PS, with no help. I have had significant weight loss, but that was 3-4 years ago.

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Thanks for sharing. Given your situation it appears you have a lymphatic leak and if the drain is removed you develop a seroma cavity. A good option sometimes is to perform a sclerosis, which involves injection an antibiotic into the abdomen via the drain. This can create additional scar tissue and seal the leak. A side effect of the procedure is infection and pain. Lymphatic leaks tend to occur most often in weight loss patients, so it's not that unusual. Discuss all these options with your PS. Hope this helps - Dr. Aldo.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

The vast majority of mommy makeover patients have their
drains removed within two weeks of their surgical procedure.  We generally wait until the drainage has
dropped below 25cc in a 24 hour period. 
Unfortunately, some patients have persistent drainage for longer periods
of time.  In some cases we’ve seen
patients drain for four to six weeks. 
When this situation arises we worry about the potential for infection,
since these drains are a two way street.

When
this situation arises we continue the use of compression garments and minimize
activity levels.  Rarely sclerosing
agents are used to decrease drainage. 
Occasionally none of these treatments work and the surgeon is left with
a difficult decision.  In these cases,
drains may actually stimulate drainage. 
Under these circumstances the surgeon may elect to pull the drains even
though the drainage is still high.  If
fluid accumulates percutaneous aspirations can be used to address the
problem.   It’s important to maintain
close contact with your surgeon.  Your
surgeon should be able to formulate a treatment plan that successfully manages
this problem.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

3 weeks and higher output still may resolve in the next week.  At 4 weeks, a sclerosant could be injected.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Sorry to hear about the continued relatively high output from your drain after tummy tuck surgery. As you can tell from the variety of responses you have received, there are many different ways to handle your situation.  Your plastic surgeon will be in the best position to advise you precisely after careful clinical evaluation.

	 In my practice, assuming there is no sign of infection around the drain site ( explaining your discomfort/pain),  I would probably ask that we leave the drain in place  for a longer period of time.  I have had to do this on occasion,  and so far, have not regretted  doing so.

	 In my practice, I would not move on to the use of sclerosing agents at this point.

	 I hope this helps.

Stewart Wang, MD, FACS · Answer

Persistent drainage 3 weeks after tummy tuck is a bit unusual. Most of my patients had their drains out by 7 to 10 days after the surgery. You may want to check with your surgeon to see if the drainage has anything unusual. How is the characteristic of the drainage? Is it clear or murky? Any foul smelling odor? Is it still bloody? Is your lower abdomen still quite swollen? Are their fluid collection under the abdominal skin?

	Best Wishes, 

	Stewart Wang, MD FACS

3 Weeks Post Op TT Draining 50cc's a Day, What Are my Options?

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3 Weeks Post Op TT Draining 50cc's a Day, What Are my Options?

Answers (10)

Answer: High Drain Output after Tummy Tuck?

Answer: High Drain Output after Tummy Tuck?

Answer: Prolonged drainage after tummy tuck

Answer: Prolonged drainage after tummy tuck

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Mommy Makeover

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