I'm scared to have drains removed. Should the Dr do it or not?

Question

I'm scared to have drains removed. I am still draining & it fluctuates for no reason. I have 1 drain: 20CC with yellow fluid w white clumps, thd other is 20-50 CC of dark red fluid. I am near 5 weeks post op for Extended TT with lipo of the flanks & a medial thigh lift. The drains ate located on my visible crotch. I just emptied my drains so I have no picture.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Drains are usually removed when they are 15-20cc per 24 hours. However it is at the discretion of your plastic surgeon. It is uncomfortable to remove but not unbearable. Your best resource is your plastic surgeon. Best of luck.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Your plastic surgeon will always be your best resource;   timing for drain removal is often based on both quantity/quality of output. Both myself and my staff are very capable of removing drains; most patients prefer the use of local anesthesia during this process. I think that you will find that this is one of those situations where the anticipation is worse than the event. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with long-term.

Marwan R. Khalifeh, MD · Answer

Most of the times the deicisons of when to pull a drain is straight forward.  On occasion, there are some bodies that produce more fluid than others, and your surgeon may decide to pull the drain even though it is above the often repeated 20-30 cc per day.Obviously this is a decision for you and your doctor, but you may want to consider pulling one each time rather than both the same day.also don't be nervous about the pulling, it is usually not very difficult or painful.

Robert M. Wald, Jr., MD · Answer

Drains do not hurt when they are removed. As far as when they are removed, this depends on your surgeon. In general, the drainage has to be less than 35 ml's per 24 hour period before a drain is removed. Fluctuation in drainage is normal.

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for your question and I would absolutely leave it up to your surgeon to determine when the drains should be removed and have him do itDr Corbin

I'm scared to have drains removed. Should the Dr do it or not?

Answers (6)

Answer: Drain Removal

Answer: Drain Removal

Answer: Drains

Answer: Drains

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I'm scared to have drains removed. Should the Dr do it or not?

Answers (6)

Answer: Drain Removal

Answer: Drain Removal

Answer: Drains

Answer: Drains

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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.