Help! I accidentally pulled one of my drains out after my arm lift about 28 hours after my surgery. The doctors can't see me until tomorrow. How bad is this?
June 17, 2018
Answer: What are the consequences of pulling a drain out? Oh no! Thank you for your question. If it is this soon after surgery, this is not the end of the world, but it is also not something your surgeon was planning on dealing with. There is no problem with waiting to be seen and discussing a plan, but there will likely be a high chance of developing a seroma in the area without the drain which might need to be drained with a needle. Hope this helps!
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June 17, 2018
Answer: What are the consequences of pulling a drain out? Oh no! Thank you for your question. If it is this soon after surgery, this is not the end of the world, but it is also not something your surgeon was planning on dealing with. There is no problem with waiting to be seen and discussing a plan, but there will likely be a high chance of developing a seroma in the area without the drain which might need to be drained with a needle. Hope this helps!
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June 18, 2018
Answer: Arm lift - pulled out drain Thank you for your question. Patients do pull out their drains accidentally and it is nothing to be alarmed about. Depending on the surgery and the phase of healing you are in, it may be acceptable for the drain to be removed. Please ensure that the drain site is kept clean and that you put on a dressing to keep it waterproof until your next consultation. If there is bleeding gentle pressure for a few minutes should stop it. However, if there is persistent bleeding or discharge (which is unusual), you should seek medical attention early. Speak to your doctor or his nurse and update them on what happened. If they have told you to return the next day, it should be fine.
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June 18, 2018
Answer: Arm lift - pulled out drain Thank you for your question. Patients do pull out their drains accidentally and it is nothing to be alarmed about. Depending on the surgery and the phase of healing you are in, it may be acceptable for the drain to be removed. Please ensure that the drain site is kept clean and that you put on a dressing to keep it waterproof until your next consultation. If there is bleeding gentle pressure for a few minutes should stop it. However, if there is persistent bleeding or discharge (which is unusual), you should seek medical attention early. Speak to your doctor or his nurse and update them on what happened. If they have told you to return the next day, it should be fine.
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