Are my JP Drains insertion sites infected? (photos)

Question

Today I had my 2 JP drains removed by a home health care provider as I could not travel 3.5 hrs to my surgeon's office (he gave me permission to do this). I am 9 days post-op on my BBL. But I had noticed about 2-3 days ago redness & soreness at the insertion sites. I had dressings around the drains and changed them daily after showering. Now that they are out, it looks like they may be infected a bit. How should I treat them? Neosporin? Thoughts? Thanks in advance for replying.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Thank you for your pictures.  Your drain sites are irritated but unlikely to be infected.  I would advise you to just cover them and see your plastic surgeon as soon as possible

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Quite often there is redness at the site of the drain removal that represents inflammation and healing rather than cellulitis or infection. Always best to check with your surgeon.

Daniel Greenwald, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

The sites are irritated, but frank infection seems unlikely.  Silvadene or bactroban dressings will soothe the area and make you feel better.  The thing to be concerned about would be spreading redness.

Are my JP Drains insertion sites infected? (photos)

Answers (3)