What happens if tummy tuck drains are removed too soon

One question I hear during my tummy tuck consultations is about the use of post-surgical drains. In this blog, you’ll learn why drains are placed, how they help you heal, and what you can do for a fast recovery.

Why are drains needed after a tummy tuck?

Drains are used to help remove excess fluid that accumulates after surgery. During your tummy tuck procedure, skin and fat are separated from the underlying muscle, creating a large abdominal flap. The body produces a type of fluid called serous fluid to promote healing, and it can accumulate between the skin and muscle, known as the “dead space.” If this happens, complications can occur, such as seroma or infection.

To avoid this, 2 drains are usually placed beneath the skin to help remove serous fluid and any residual blood that may be present. These drains look like small tubes with bulbs attached. By squeezing the bulb, you create a manual suction that helps flush away excess fluid.

Drains are usually placed by your plastic surgeon at the end of your tummy tuck surgery. They are left in place anywhere from a few days to a few weeks after tummy tuck surgery. Most of my patients have their drains removed about 1 week after their operation.

Will drains prevent me from returning to my normal day-to-day activities?

Post-surgical drains will not hinder your recovery or prevent you from doing normal daily tasks. In fact, your drains actually help you recover more quickly so you can get back to your regular routine faster. The key is to keep your drains clean, protected, and discreet while they are still in. Gentle showers or sponge baths will keep bacteria at bay and won’t irritate drains or sutures.

Some of my clients purchase post-surgical drain belts for when they are outside the home. These garments are worn under clothing throughout the day and can usually carry between 2 to 4 drains.

How do you keep drains clean?

Keeping your drains clean is important for your safety and recovery. If bacteria accumulate, it can result in infection.

You’ll want to keep the skin around the drain and the incision site clean and dry. Avoid perfumed soaps and lotions, as these can irritate the skin. Use a mild antibacterial soap and warm water to clean the area regularly. Do not scrub the area or use harsh, abrasive sponges, such as a loofah. Use a soft washcloth and make sure you wash your hands before touching your incision or drain.

How long will my drains stay in?

How long you have your drains will depend on the extent of your procedure and your body’s ability to heal. I can often tell when a patient is ready to have their drains removed because they are not producing much fluid and the color of any remaining fluid is normal. For most people, this usually occurs about 7 to 14 days after surgery.

Although surgical drains do require care, they are well worth the effort to ensure a safe and rewarding result. If you’re ready to learn more about how you can achieve a toned stomach with tummy tuck surgery, contact us today. You can also see the results from some of my tummy tuck patients in our before-and-after photo gallery.

Depending on the type of plastic surgery you undergo, a surgical drain may required during the initial healing period. Here are some answers to a few commonly asked questions we receive here at Dr. Marcus Crawford’s office.

When are surgical drains removed?

It depends both on the procedure you underwent and how fast your body heals. There is no technical time limit to when the surgical drains removed. Usually, the drains are removed when the fluid coming out of the drain is very minimal. This is usually within the first seven days of surgery, but depends on the patient. Once the fluid coming out of the drain is minimal, Dr. Crawford’s staff will set a time to remove them.

What happens if the surgical drain comes out prematurely?

If your surgical drain naturally comes out before it is supposed to, simply contact Dr. Crawford. He will evaluate how you are doing and determine whether or not the drain needs to be put back in place.

Is dark red fluid normal after one week of surgery?

If you see dark red fluid one week after surgery, you usually need not worry, especially if your pain is minimal. Most likely the dark red fluid is blood that is naturally flushing itself out of the system. If you are overly concerned, or feeling pain, feel free to consult Dr. Crawford.

Why are drains used in breast augmentation surgery?

Drains are used after breast augmentation if Dr. Crawford feels that there may be extra fluid collecting around the implant after surgery. Drains allow the extra fluid, tissue, and blood to exit the body.

Will my drains be uncomfortable?

The surgical drains are used to remove old tissue and blood that result from the surgery. The drains are not uncomfortable.

How do I take care of the drain at home?

The best way to take care of your surgical drain at home is to make sure you are milking (emptying) the drainage tube several times per day. You want to make sure the fluid you are collecting has a way to exit, so follow the instructions of how to milk your collection bulb when it fills.

How do I shower with a surgical drain?

Showering with your drain is okay, and even recommended. Just make sure to use soap and water, and be extra careful not to pull out your drain. After your shower, rub some Neosporin at the drain exit site, and cover with a bandaid.

When should I be worried about my drain?

You should only be worried about your drain if you feel pain, or spreading redness around the drain exit site, if anything in the bulb looks like pus, if you are bleeding actively, if you experience an increase in temperature, if the drain quits draining, or the drain falls out. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact Dr. Crawford as soon as possible. 

Surgical drains are most commonly used after tummy tuck and body lift surgery. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Crawford to discuss your desired procedure and find out if drains will likely be required during recovery.

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