22 days post op from tummy tuck, lipo, BBL, and still draining 200ml a day. (Photo)

Question

I'm 5'4" & was 190lbs the day of sx. I had 19 lbs of skin removed & 3 liters removed from my back. I'm still draining at least 200 ml/24 hrs & my skin looks like it's starting to heal around the drain, It doesn't look infected. I've been cleaning it every other day with alcohol & applying neosporin & covering with gauze. My surgeon said a patient had it in for 42 days & that seems VERY unusual, but I'm wondering if because of my weight & the amount removed should I expect to have it longer.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

The more that is removed the more likely and longer you will require a drain to remain. Typically it will stay until the fluid is less than 25cc in 24 hours. Another suggestion to help swelling is wearing a compression garment. Regards,

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry.  That is a very high amount.  Please discuss with your surgeon about factors that may be causing the amount and review strategies to reduce the amount of fluid like compression, nutrition, activity modification, etc.  Good Luck.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you very much for sharing your concerns with us.At this point (22 days post-po) the swelling have to be minimal.To reduce it, I recommend you perform daily lymphatic drainage massage therapy over the abdomen and wear a postoperative girdle from thigh to the breasts.Kind regards,Dr. Emma Mallol Cotes.-

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

Thank you for your pictures.  In my opinion, patients that have had massive weight loss that have body contouring surgery have prolonged drainage.  Continue to follow up with your plastic surgeon.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

YES! Very unusual to have a drain with this amount of daily drainage. Something needs to be done! You can either fly back to DR for your surgeon to render appropriate care. Or see a USA local South Milwaukee boarded PS to see you. But you need to offer to prepay for the care locally. No USA PS wants to inherit a DR surgeon's complication!

Robert H. Hunsaker, MD · Answer

Some people drain longer than others. If my patients have not dropped enough by 3-4 weeks, I do a retrograde injection of a mixture of Betadine/Kenalog/Doxycycline that typically stops the drainage within 48hours. You could ask your surgeon if this is a consideration for you.

22 days post op from tummy tuck, lipo, BBL, and still draining 200ml a day. (Photo)

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