Drain removal and numbing medications used

Question

I just called my PS about removal of my drains (mons pubic) after a TT which will be removed tomorrow (7 days post op). The nurse stated to me that my PS will numb the area before doing so. Is this done with a needle? Is pain involved using the needle to medicate the incision site AND is the drain removal painful? These drains are irritation, painful, and sometimes burn

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

There is the potential for either topical numbing or an
injection as the drain is removed by your surgeon, so he would be the only one
to answer your question as to which will be used. Since there are various types
of drains available, with both minimal pain and even completely painless
options available, there is the ability for your surgeon to work with your fear
of any of this discomfort or pain and adjust the method accordingly. Contact
him directly to make sure. Best of luck!

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

The numbing agent could be a topical cream or an injection. And although there may be some pain as the drain is removed, it will be far overshadowed by your joy and relief at having the things gone. Congratulations. Best, Dr. Nazarian

John Mesa, MD · Answer

Placement of drains is a common practice after a tummy tuck by plastic surgeons. Sometimes in order to decrease the discomfort of the drain removal, the plastic surgeon may apply numbing medication ( local anesthesia) at the site of drain insertion. Depending on the plastic surgery doctor either topical anesthesia ( usually cream) or traditional local anesthesia ( administered with an injection) could be used. In my practice I don't use numbing medication to remove the drains because the drain removal is usually painless when an special type of "painless drain" (e.g blake drain in stead of JP drain) is used.

Charles Galanis, MD · Answer

Good question!  As I am sure your surgeon has assured, this is a process that is rarely painful.  Most patients describe a "weird" feeling rather than pain.  In truth, I expect a minority of surgeons even use numbing medicine for this process.  Good luck on a smooth recovery.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your excellent question. In my practice I use drains that are the same caliber throughout. This prevents the "popping" sensation that accompanies drains that taper to the more narrow tube that hangs outside the body.  In this way the drain simply slides out and does not need to be forcibly removed.  Most patients describe the drain removal sensation as "weird" and not necessarily painful and resolves in a matter of minutes. I have not used local anesthesia during drain removal, but there's no harm in trying.  Hope that this helps.

Stacey Folk, MD · Answer

Dear Mommy_Of5,The temporary discomfort sometimes experienced when removing a drain is quickly overshadowed with the joy of having the drain out! If your surgeon is planning on numbing you it could be a topical numbing cream or possibly an injection. I'm sure if you wanted to just "white knuckle" it you will be fine, but the cream is a nice touch.Best,

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Drain removal is usually not too uncomfortable. If the drain is not fluted it just comes out easily. A fluted drain may feel more like a stretch may be a bit more uncomfortable..

Nicholas Tarola, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Drains are often one of the worst parts of the recovery phase following surgery.  The drains can cause a good amount of irritation and pain while in place.  If hubless drains are used, drain removal is usually painless.  If hubbed drains are used, removal can cause varying degrees of discomfort.  I've not personally heard of using any type of anesthesia for drain removal but it is not unreasonable.  If local anesthetic is used, it would be placed with a needle which may be as uncomfortable as the drain removal itself.  Discuss with your surgeon.

Chien C. Kat, MD · Answer

I do not use drains normally. If I do, I wouldrelease the suction from the bottle for 1 hour before removing the drain. This reduces the pull on tissue when the drain in finally removed and reduces the pain significantlynot normally use local anaesthetic but if your surgeon does, this is likely to be a local anaesthetic cream that needs to be left for an hour before the drain is removedremove the drain very quick so pain is usually very short livedMost patients find this very acceptable, so try not to worry too much.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

Drain removal is not a painful procedure.  They usually come out easily.  Congrats on your surgery, and best wishes for a good recovery.

Drain removal and numbing medications used

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