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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Lori H. Saltz, MD (retired) · Answer

I am not sure I understand what your primary concern is.  If it is whether or not your drains should be removed I would say that is a decision your surgeon needs to make.  Removing one drain before the other is an option.  Removing a drain too soon can lead to seroma development.  On the other hand leaving them in can lead to infection.  It can be a thin line to walk.  Ask your surgeon to discuss the pros and cons in your case so you will understand the situation better.If your anxiety is about the physical act of having the drains removed I can understand your fear.  If local anesthesia is used it is almost painless.  My nurse is an expert at it and prides herself on our patients' relief at her success.  Your surgeon may prefer to remove them him/herself.  You may find that either way the anticipation is causing you more suffering than you will actually experience when the time comes.  You can always take an OTC pain reliever before you go to your appointment.  Good luck!

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

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