Can I Remove my Drainage Tube at Home?

    I would not recommend this, because a physical exam prior to removal ensures that an additional problem does not exist.  Sometimes, a person can have fluid and low drain output because a drain is clogged.  That is just one of many examples.  Please get this removed at the doctor's office.

Thank you for your question. I would recommend that you discuss this question with your surgeon. Every surgeon has their own specific post op protocol for their patients and your surgeon is the best resource when questions arise. They are most familiar with your medical history, details of your surgery, and how you are healing. Congratulations on your recent surgery.

Your drainage should be removed at the doctors office.  That is also a time the doctor can assess your condition and how he can improve the scarring etc..

Well, yes you could, but I don't know why you would want to. When I used drains (not needed any more due to quilting sutures), I always numbed up the drain site.  Otherwise it can hurt quite a bit having the drain pulled. Patients who knew someone or had seen someone else have that done without anesthetic did not like it at all. Ouch!

Also, drains leave an opening that heals much better if it is closed. Until it seals, more drainage can come out on your clothing. So I would put a few sutures or a staple to make that opening heal as a narrow scar. That requires anesthetic for a comfortable experience.

Also,  the decision to take out a drain, and when to take it out, is a clinical decision that your plastic surgeon makes. Sometimes, when there are two drains, only one will be removed and the other kept a while longer to ensure drainage and decrease the risk of seroma.  So for all these reasons, it is best if drains are removed at your doctor's office.

HiThanks for your question.There's a lot that goes into the decision as to when to remove your drain. Pls consult with your PS and have him or her remove it....I hope this helps.

When drains are placed by a surgeon, in most instances, they should also be removed by either a surgeon or a clinical professional such as an RN or MA. You should never remove any tubes without explicit instructions from your surgeon's office.  We recommend contacting your surgeon’s office, if you are experiencing anything unusual that is not in your normal post op instructions.

No, I would suggest that you have the drains removed by your plastic surgeon or his representative.

Best wishes.

It certainly can be done if you have discussed with your doctor. The main potentially issue is re-accumulation of fluid. This will need to be drained with needle and syringe. Make sure your doctor is available if this should happen.

While it is certainly possible to remove your own drain, it is best to ask your doctor what he prefers. I prefer to take them out myself so that there is not problem.

I do occasionally have patients remove their own drains at home. They will call with drainage info to choose appropriate timing. Depending upon the type of drain, there is one suture to snip, and the drain comes out quite easily. I usually advice that the patient have a family member or friend do this (?nurse if available). I don't offer this unless I am asked, and many patients who do ask wind up coming in to the office for removal. 

All the best.