Is It Time to Take out the Last Drain Tube from a Tummy Tuck Done 30 Days Ago?

     This plan does not seem unreasonable given your description.

 

 

 

Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

One month after abdominoplasty, it is very rare to still have a drain left in place.  Most of the time, the drains are pulled out at 1-2 weeks unless you had aggressive liposuction.  Quite often when a drain is left in place too long, it can form a capsule around it and that track can accumulate fluid around it like seroma.  At 30-35 cc / day, it is probably safe to remove the drain.

The general rule is for the drainage to be less than 30 cc over a 24 hour period prior to removing the drain.  However some times the drain just makes the body make more fluid.  Your plastic surgeon will need to use his best judgment as to the timing of removing the drain.

There is no rule when to remove the drain.  I personally remove drains when each drain output is less than 30cc over 24 hour period for two consecutive days.  From your description, your drain seems to be ready to come out.  However, check with your plastic surgeon first.

This is a judgement call by your surgeon. I generally like the output to be below 20cc per 24 hour period. On the other hand some drains can become incorporated with scar tissue and difficult to remove if left in for a long time. You obviosly chose your Doctor for a reason so trust his or her judgement.