Different color liquid for drains after Sientra breast augmentation. Am I using my right side too much? (Photo)

Question

Hi, I am 3 days post op from BA . PS used drain tubes with my Sientra, gummy bear, textured, round base with high projection, under the muscle and anatomical. 320cc on rt/270cc on left. Right side is so much redder. I am rt handed . 12 hr period had 15ml each side down from 30 ml the 12 hours before. Am I using my right side too much?

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Drainage is rarely the same for both sides or exactly the same color. Most often the dominant size would have more drainage as their is more motion but not always. Most surgeons do not use drains though perfectly fine to do so.

Brian R. Buinewicz, MD · Answer

It is very common to have different color drainage and different amounts of drainage after any surgical procedure in which drains are used.  I assume you are seeing your surgeon back soon, and would let him or her know of the drainage amounts and characteristics.

Christopher S. Verbin, MD · Answer

Your surgeon used drains which is fine and acceptable. As with any surgery, each side does not always behave the same as the other in terms of swelling and recovery. The side with a bit more reddish drainage probably would have had a bit more bruising without the drain in place. Give it a bit of time and they should wind up being quite similar with a fabulous result. Don't stress, I'm sure you will be happy once all settles down and heals. This might take a week or a bit more but be confident in the final results - I predict all the best for you:)

Samir S. Rao, MD · Answer

There is no need to be alarmed by the difference in drainage color and output demonstrated by your photos.  These variances are completely normal.

Peter J. Capizzi, MD · Answer

For breast augmentation, I typically do not use drains and patients can go back to working or working out after 48 hours.  When drains are used, it is very common to have one side with a straw colored fluid called serous fluid and another with a red tinge.  Yours appears entirely normal and has nothing to do with the type of implant.

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

You are only 3 days post-op, and you are right-handed, so your question is reasonable and something for you to be aware about. Don't overdo activity with your dominant hand, and watch lifting, straining, and excessive stretching of your pec muscles. This could contribute to increased drainage. Red means blood, and yellow means serum (less blood). Unless one breast swells significantly, red does not mean bleeding, just "old" blood associated with your surgery. Sudden increase in bloody drainage, or swelling to a visible and significant degree would mandate an urgent call to your surgeon.Though in general I absolutely avoid drains when contamination of an implant is a possibility (blood and serum out, but bacteria in???), some surgeons feel the necessity to use them, and what you are seeing is not at all unusual. But since drains can increase the risk for capsular contracture, getting them out as soon as humanly possible will minimize those risks for you, so reduce activity and get those drains out ASAP. I don't think your drainage amounts are excessive at all, and your activities should be limited while still using both arms. You look good and will likely have a splendid result. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Joe Gryskiewicz, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Michele,First off you appear to have a wonderful result!  No cause for alarm on the drains.  It is entirely normal to have differences as you have shown.  You can feel good. The red drainage is more cherry colored, and over time becomes more amber like your left drain.  Keep seeing your surgeon.  All looks good.  All the best, "Dr. Joe"

Kamakshi Zeidler, MD · Answer

The purpose of drains after surgery is to remove inflammatory fluid that your body produces in response to surgery. This removes the fluid to prevent it from collecting around your breast implants so that you don't get a seroma (trapped fluid). This is particularly important when you have breast augmentation with an anatomically shaped implant like the one you have chosen. A tight space around an anatomically shaped is needed to allow your body to incorporate into the textured surface so that you have a very low risk of implant rotation over the long term. Often times, drain output is slightly higher with activity . . . if you use arms a lot and more than you should, the amount of drainage can go up. Many times after augmentation, one side has more drainage, and can be a little bloodier and it is not a big concern - but can be related to the side of the dominant hand, and may be because that arm is being used more. It is a good sign that the amount of fluid is decreasing.In general you should discuss this with your plastic surgeon and make sure you follow your surgeons instructions for activity limitations after surgery as this is important to achieve the most optimal results with the lowest risk of long term complications.

Robert B. Louton, MD · Answer

It is common to see both different volumes and different color from the two drains.  Typically (though not always) the right side is more active and larger and produces more volume and it is bloodier.  The good news is that the blood is being evacuated so that it  won't contribute to internal scarring and contracture.  You should contact your plastic surgeon so he may determine if the left drain is functioning properly and you are recovering appropriately.  It looks like you will have a very nice result.I hope this helps.

Joseph L. Grzeskiewicz, MD, FACS · Answer

It is not unusual at all to have different colors of drainage from two different drains, especially at this early stage.  While you may be using your right arm too much, this alone is not necessarily an indication of that.  The redder drain output simply has a little more blood in it as opposed to just serum, and that is why it is pinker or redder.  This may be due to a number of different situations, not just arm use, although that can contribute to be sure.  From the one image you have shown, you do not appear to have a hematoma, or blood collection from bleeding around your implant, and your drain volumes are certainly within normal limits. You may wish to "strip" your left drain to make sure it's not blocked by a blood clot, and if you don't know how to do this, you should call your surgeon's office for instruction.  Sometimes a blocked drain will lighten in color, only to resume draining redder fluid once the blockage is relieved.  In any event, this doesn't sound like a serious issue, but I suggest you keep in close contact with your surgeon's office if you have any questions or concerns.  Good luck.

Different color liquid for drains after Sientra breast augmentation. Am I using my right side too much? (Photo)

Answers (14)

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