When do the drains get removed? Will they remove all four at the same time?

Question

I have four drains and only one has any significant draining. I get at 9 now morning and night the others have barely anything.

Steven J. Rottman, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding your drains. I typically remove drains when the output is 20 cc or less over a 24 hour period. You will need to discuss this with your surgeon as drain management often varies between surgeons. Hope this helps and good luck with your recovery.

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

Removing your drains will be up to your surgeon. In general, they can be removed when the output falls below a certain amount. My best,
Dr. Sheila Nazarian
@drsheilanazarian on Instagram

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

Your surgeon will be able to answer your question based on his or her own protocol, but most would say remove tummy tuck drains when the output is less than 20 cc in 24 hours. Usually this is within 3-4 days.

Afshin Parhiscar, MD · Answer

Dear bigboobsbegoneIn my practice, drains are often removed when the drainage is less than 30cc per 24 hours, however, this is modified with some procedures.  I don't use drains for breast reduction. Abdominoplasty drains often come out on post op day 5. Your surgeon and his office are your best source for whats best in your case.

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for yuor inquiry, but without examining you, it is impossible for us to advise which drains are ready to come out, but your question allows us to discuss basic principles of drain managment.  In general, for each procedure there is a standard time required with drains to remove fluid, eliminate swelling, and create suction for adherence of tissues.  Next, the drains come out based on the consistency of the fluid, the amount, and the amount of healing in the incisions around the drain.  Your surgeon will decide when the drains come out.

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

In my practice, I typically remove the drains when they produce less than 25 mL during the course of the whole day. Once your drains have reach that level of drainatypically they can be removed safely. Please consult with your plastic surgeon asked to his or her protocol regarding drain removal.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and congratulations on your mommy makeover.  Drains are typically removed based on their 24 hour output as well as the quality of the drainage.  Depending on the location of the drains they can be removed all at once, but if there are multiple within the same location the lowest output is removed first and the remaining drain watched for 1-2 days before removal. Hope this helps.

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Hello and thanks for this question. Some of your drains will likely come out when you see your plastic surgeon next. When the output drops to a low volume then they can be safely removed. Each surgeon has their own threshold for removing them. Best wishes always, Dr. ALDO

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Drains are helpful after surgery to collect fluids and prevent seroma formation.  It is not uncommon for the drains to collect different amounts of fluid and may be removed at different times.  Your surgeon will advise the necessary thresholds for removal but typically drains are removed between 7 and 14 days after surgery.

Joseph Franklin, MD · Answer

Drainage tubes are frequently removed when the drainage from each tube is less than 20-25 cc in 24 hours.  Usually, the drains which have the least amount of fluid collecting in the bulbs are removed first.   The other drain (or drains) are then removed at a later date.  Hope that this helps.

When do the drains get removed? Will they remove all four at the same time?

Answers (16)

More Mommy Makeover Questions

How soon can you go for a slow walk after a mommy makeover?

4 weeks post Mommy makeover. Which bra should I wear to get best and most natural results? (photos)

Are there any medical school or services that offer assistance with a mommy makeover in the Louisiana state?

Are there any programs that help with the removal of excess skin? (Photo)

Flat, wide scars. Anyone have success with scar revision treatment? (Photo)

Cost for Tummy tuck with fat transfer to breast? (photos)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS