Tummy Tuck Surgical Drains
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Surgical Drains are flexible plastic tubes that are inserted into the body to drain pus, blood or other fluids from the surgical wound area. For my Tummy Tuck with Lateral Thigh Lift Operation they were installed by the surgeon during the Tummy Tuck operation and were removed one week later.
Tummy Tuck Surgical Drain Pictures |
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Tummy Tuck Surgical Drains One Day After Surgery |
Tummy Tuck Surgical Drains One Day After Surgery |
Tummy Tuck Surgical Drain Tubes One Day After Surgery |
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Tummy Tuck Surgical Drains |
Surgical Drain Bulbs |
Tummy Tuck Surgical Drains |
About Surgical Drains (for my Operation)
As a result of all of the surgical cutting and suturing that is done during the Tummy Tuck operation there is a certain amount of internal bleeding that occurs. This blood tends to run "down hill" towards the groin area (and yes there is a certain amount of swelling in that area). To remove this blood and other fluids from the body, during surgery they poke a hole just above the groin area and insert a length of plastic tubing. For my operation they inserted two drains a few inches apart. I would guess that the tubing goes into the body for a depth of about four to six inches (at least that's what I think I remember when they pulled them out). The total length of the tubing was about 4-5 feet with the other end connected to a flexible plastic container with a drain port on it. During recovery, the drain is measured for the amount of fluid collected, then drained (with the bloody fluid being discarded down the toilet) every four hours. Every day the amount of fluid collected would slowly decrease. It took 6 days until they slowed enough that the surgeon determined they could be removed.
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Tummy Tuck Surgical Drain Tubes are flexible silicone tubes that are inserted into your abdomen through a specially made incision during the Tummy Tuck operation. These tubes connect to clear flexible bulbs. The bulbs, when compressed, provide suction for excess fluid that accumulates during recovery at home. (Each time you empty them, you squeeze them before your seal them. This creates a negative pressure in the bulbs that helps a bit with the drainage.)
TUMMY TUCK BULB TYPE SURGICAL DRAINS
Tummy Tuck Bulb Type Surgical Drains Are "Compressed" to Provide Suction
Monitoring the Surgical Drains
The amount of pus, blood or other drain fluids after a Tummy Tuck varies with each person and operation. For my Tummy Tuck and Lateral Thigh Lift Operation I was told to measure, record the amount of fluid collected then empty the drains every four hours. My drain bulbs had measurement markings on the sides to read the amount of fluid collected. I was then to bring the Surgical Drain log with me for my next follow-up visit. The surgeon then reviews the log and determines if the drainage has stopped or slowed enough to remove the Surgical Drain Tubes.
Sometimes the Surgical Drains Clog
At times the Surgical Drain Tubing may clog with some type of discharge from the body. To remove the clog I was instructed to "milk" or push the fluid in the tube towards the container by squeezing the tubing between two fingers while pushing towards the container. Fortunately my Surgical Drains did not clog.
Why Use Surgical Drains
The main purpose of Surgical Drains used with Tummy Tuck Surgery is to remove from the body the pus, blood or other fluid that sometimes develops after surgery. Removing the fluid reduces the risk of complications after tummy tuck surgery such as a seroma or fistula. More importantly, this fluid could be a source of infection.
How to Empty Surgical Drains
The Surgical Drain Container attached to the end of the tubing is a clear flexible bulb with markings on it's side and a drain port with a "plug in" cap. To empty the drain first milk the fluid in the tubing toward the bulb to ensure you measure all of the drained fluid. Measure the amount in the bulb by holding it upright and taking the reading. Unplug the drain cap, invert and drain into the toilet by squeezing and compressing the bulb flat. After the bulb is empty insert the cap while the bulb is still compressed flat to make a new vacuum.
Tips for Emptying Surgical Drains
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Thoroughly wash your hands, dry and put on a pair of surgical gloves.
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Position the surgical drain bulb lower than the wound area. This will help prevent fluid from draining back into the wound when you open the plug and break the suction of the bulb.
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Do not touch the tip of the spout or the plug. These are access points for germs to enter your body.
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If you cannot read the level of fluid collected on the bulbs exterior surface, carefully pour the fluid from the bulb into a measuring container to obtain an accurate reading.
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Record all of your observations including date, time, amount of fluid collected, color and any noticeable odors of the fluids.
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When done, flush the fluid down the toilet and dispose of your surgical gloves any materials in a trash bag. Seal the trash bag. Keep pets and children away from the trash bag. Don't let pets drink from the toilet.
How Do Your Wear Surgical Drains?
The bulb of the Surgical Drain has a small tab on it with a hole which allows you to pin them to your clothing, bandage or compression garment.
Tummy Tuck Surgical Drain Removal
My Tummy Tuck Surgical Drain Tubes were removed 6 days after my surgery during one of my follow-up visits (after the amount of fluid put out by the drain falls below 30cc over a 24-hour period for 2 consecutive days, then the drains can be removed). In my case the surgeon simply put one hand against my body at the insertion point and gently pulled the drain tube out. I was surprised to see about 4 - 5 inches of tubing come out of my body (I didn't know what to expect). It didn't hurt at all and there was little or no bleeding.
Tummy Tuck Surgical Drains Questions (FAQs)
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What Type of Surgical Drain Is Used For a Tummy Tuck Operation?
A Jackson Pratt Surgical Drain or JP Drain (pictured above) was used for my tummy tuck operation to remove fluids from my body. -
Why did I need a Surgical Drain?
To heal faster, reduce pain and swelling and decrease my risk of getting an infection. -
How long will I have the Tummy Tuck Drains?
Typically 5-7 days. There is no set time. When the amount of fluid put out by the drain falls below 30cc over a 24-hour period for 2 consecutive days, then the drains can be removed. -
Will I have surgical drains after a Tummy Tuck?
Most likely. -
Are surgical drains used in Tummy Tuck Tummy Tuck surgery?
Yes, they are a routine part of a Tummy Tuck. -
What is a Tummy Tuck surgical drain and what is it used for?
See above. -
What do I do with the blood after I empty the surgical drain?
Record the amount collected then flush it down the toilet. -
Do the surgical drain bulbs have to be placed below the "point of entry" to allow them to drain properly?
No. Since the bulb is squeezed after it is emptied it creates a slight suction that helps the blood flow from the body. -
How often do I have to empty my tummy tuck drains?
When they get full or every 4 hours or as directed by your surgeon. If the drains become half full, empty them. Do not let them fill up any more than half way because the suction will decrease and they will become less effective. -
How do I wear Tummy Tuck surgical drains?
Simply pin them to your compression garment or clothing. -
When is a Tummy Tuck Drain Removed?
Immediately after surgery you will notice the greatest amount of fluid flowing into the surgical drains. With each passing day as the wound begins to heal the fluid will decrease. Generally the drain tubes will be removed from your body when it slows to less than 2 tablespoons of fluid per day. -
What Are The Risks Of Having A Surgical Drain?
If the surgical drain and the penetration point to the body is not kept clean dry and bandaged properly germs may enter your body and cause an infection or if it stays in longer than needed you may get an infection. The tubing may get blocked with blood or other materials preventing the drain from operating. The fluid may have nowhere to go and you may develop a fistula. -
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When Should I Call My Doctor?
Call your doctor if you are experiencing pain at the insertion point of the surgical drain, if the area surrounding the penetration point is red or has excessive swelling, if your drain is leaking or if the drained fluid is yellowish, cloudy or foul smelling. Seek immediate medical attention if if you surgical drain comes out, your stitches come loose, you get a fever, your drain starts filling quickly with bright red blood or suddenly stops working altogether.
Tummy Tuck Feedback Messages
The following Reader Comments are relevant to the subject of this
page.
To read all Tummy Tuck Feedback
click here.
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Sent: Saturday, August 28, 2010 12:22 AM
Subject: Tummy Tuck Surgical Drain Question
I had my abdominoplasty & herniolasty done on 11/8/2010 ie.17days now. the drain
collected still is 22cc. Can the drain be removed now? Will it get accumulated
if the drain pipe is removed?
Baby
Response - Baby,
I imagine that you are getting pretty tired of lugging the drain around and
having to empty it over and over. What a chore! 17 days is a long time to have a
surgical drain sticking out of your body.
I assume the 22 cc drain rate you refer to is for a 24 hour period. From what I
understand, 30 cc per day and below is a guideline that a surgeon uses to
determine when to remove surgical drains after a tummy tuck. Since you had a
herniolasty as well, perhaps there are additional considerations.
When does your surgeon say the drain can come out? He is the only one that can
(or should) remove it or tell you when it is safe to remove it. Even though you
are tired of having it still in there, the longer it's there the better. It's
there for a reason (reduce risk of infection, prevent other complications such
as seroma or fistula).
I am not sure what you mean by "Will it get accumulated if the drain pipe is
removed?". If you are asking if the fluid will start to accumulate and pool in
your body, then that will depend on your body and it's ability to absorb the
fluid. Your doctor has the training and experience to best make that
determination.
Good luck.
Tanner
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Sent: Friday, August 20, 2010 9:11 PM
Subject: Tummy Tuck Surgical Drains
I am interested in getting a tummy tuck. I was wondering if the drains
hurt? is it hard to go to the bathroom? How long does the drains stay inside
you? Do you have to get cut again to get the drains out?
Dominique
Response - Dominique,
I found the surgical drains to be an interesting part of the tummy tuck
experience. I didn't know anything about them or what to expect before my
operation. When I woke up in the recovery room, THERE THEY WERE. Two of them,
"plugged into" my body a few inches below my waist.
But to answer your questions, no the surgical drains didn't hurt at all. At my
skn's surface where they penetrated my body I couldn't feel anything because
that area was numb even long after the drains were removed. I also could not
feel the 5 inches or so of tubing that was inside my body. I didn't know how
much of it they put in or where it went.
You might want to check out my surgical drains page
http://www.tummytuckformen.com/tummy-tuck-abdominoplasty-surgical-drains.html
and read the feedback comments at the bottom of the page. At least one person
experienced some pain with her surgical drains.
Going to the bathroom after the tummy tuck operation and with the surgical
drains was no problem for me. You just have to move a lot slower and make sure
you have something to hang onto like the nearby tub or sink vanity to steady as
you position yourself.
How long do the surgical drains stay inside you? That changes with each
individual, the degree of surgery he/she had and the rate of drainage after the
surgery. I had to monitor and empty my surgical drains every four hours. When
the drainage rate slowed to below 30cc's over a 24-hour period for 2 consecutive
days, then the drains could be removed, but that was up to the discretion of the
surgeon. My surgical drains stayed in for 6 days.
Getting the surgical drains removed was easy and there was no "cutting" involved
(except for the snipping of a few stitches with a scissor that held the surgical
drains in place). At one of my follow-up visits my surgeon simply put one of his
hands against my body at the insertion point as a brace and gently pulled the
drain tube out. It only took a second. I was surprised to see about 4 - 5 inches
of tubing slide easily out of my body. It didn't hurt at all and there was
little or no bleeding.
I hope this answers your questions. Best of luck.
Tanner
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Sent: Friday, August 20,
2010 12:01 AM
Subject: Tummy Tuck Drains Complication
After 6 years of having a tummy tuck operation, my mother,67, is experiencing
severe complications: not eating regularly, losing weight, chronic constipation
pain, * especially on the right side of her stomach where the drainage tubes
were placed(stabbing, movement, burning, bloating, pain). What can be done to
ease her pains and who should she seek help from at this point?. we've taken her
to every doctor possible...
Juliann
Response - Juliann,
Sorry to hear about your mother's problems. I have never heard of anyone having
complications from a tummy tuck operation 6 years later. You state that you have
taken her to every doctor possible. What do they say? Do they think it is
related to the surgical drains or a complication from the tummy tuck? Or do they
think it is something else? The only thing that I can advise you to do is keep
trying different doctors. There has to be someone out there who can figure it
out.
Good luck.
Tanner
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Sent: Thursday, July 01, 2010 11:48 PM
Subject: Tummy Tuck Drains
I had a mini complex abdominoplasty yesterday and had one drain put in. Almost
all of my draining has come from tube site in body, what a mess. Doctor didn't
seem alarmed but I don't see anybody else having this problem.
Chris
Response - Chris,
I don't understand your problem. What is a mess? What makes it complex?
Tanner
Complex? Who knows? That's what doc called it. The mess
is from the drainage coming out of the drainage tube site, from my skin, only a
few drops in actual drain. I have been shoving towels in my shorts. No way to
measure it. Maybe he called it complex because I have a kidney transplant inside
left hipbone.
Chris
Response - Chris,
I see your point. That really would be messy and very inconvenient. Changing out
fluid soaked bandages or towels for days or even weeks would "get old" real
fast.
I haven't heard of anyone else having this problem either. I don't know how
often this happens. My drain tube penetration sites were nice and dry.
It sounds like the suction end of the drain tube is not located at the source of
the fluid build-up. Of course it is still very early after your surgery. Things
may change.
If it continues for a while like this and the drain collects little or no fluid,
why not ask your surgeon if it would be advisable for him to "pull out" an inch
or two of the drain tube in an effort to reposition the suction end in order to
find the right spot and allow it to work properly. If I remember correctly I had
about 5 inches of tubing inside of me when my surgeon removed it.
The good thing is that the fluid is coming out of your body.
Good luck.
Tanner
Thanks for responding. I go back
on Monday (yes, a holiday) for pain pump to be removed so I'll
ask then. Meanwhile I am embarrassed to admit I went and bought Depends!!!!!!
Chirs
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Sent: Sunday, June 27, 2010 10:09 PM
Subject: Tummy Tuck Surgical Drains
I had a tummy tuck done in my country 6 wks ago, came back to us 3 wks later
I still fell liquid in my abdomen, what are the risk, if i don't take it
out. Will my body absorb it or I need to go back to my country and have the
doctor to take the liquid out..
Response - Ana,
I could never actually feel the fluid inside me when I had my surgical
drains. All I felt was numbness.
If you think you still have fluid inside you it might be a good idea to go
to a local US doctor and have it checked out or drained. A local doctor
would be quick and convenient (compared to traveling to another country) as
well as providing you a second opinion on your condition.
Drain fluids could be a source of infection. Removing the fluid reduces the
risk of complications and infections.
As to whether or not you body will absorb the remaining fluid depends on too
many factors (the amount of fluid, your body, the wound area, your health..)
and only a qualified doctor could tell you after an examination.
Good luck. Tanner
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Sent: Saturday, June 19, 2010 7:51 PM
Subject: Tummy Tuck Drains
I am 10 day post op full abdominoplasty. So far so good except these drain
tubes giving me fits. The right one is out to point of no more bulb suction
and about 2 inches white portion of tube shows and I can see the sutures. I
go Mon to doctor to take it out. Is it possible it will keep working itself
out and if so how do I take care of treating the hole left behind? It seems
that every movement I make is causing it to come out another half inch and
pushing it back in I know is not a good idea
michele
Response -
Michele,
I can't give medical advice but since you only have one day until the doctor
takes it out why not try to prevent further movement by:
- covering it with your compression garment to secure it in place.
- secure it to your compression garment with a combination of tape/pins
As far as the "hole left behind", if I remember correctly after the surgeon
removed my drain tubes all he did was apply gauze and a little pressure to
the hole to seep up any remaining residual fluids then covered it with new
gauze and bandage. Over time it heals. I don't remember an "open hole" ever
being a problem.
Good luck.
Tanner
Thanks so much Tanner....actually it is the insertion point that was almost out and I could not really secure that flopping around tube without horrific pubic pain and although I did try with nylons day before...I think that was worse when going to the bathroom. Nonetheless....this tube did wiggle itself out Saturday when I stood up off the commode and doc said he would reinforce the other one Monday....although I would really like it out!!! since I have travel plans on Tuesday.....and the 'hole' left behind or that little slit....yes, I did just cover with a dry 4 x 4 and very little seepage and doesn't seem to be staying in my system either....lol....so....I will be post 11 days tomorrow and normal drain tube time seems to tell us 5 to 15 days....and drainage is yellowy/clear as it should be. Thank you so much for getting back to me so quickly.
michele
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Sent: Friday, June 11, 2010 11:16 AM
Subject: Tummy Tuck Surgical Drains
I had my right JP drainage tube taken out on Monday June 7, 2010 and my
doctor was very upset with me because he thinks it was too soon to have it
taken out (the medical assistant took it out that day and he wasn't in the
office) he is afraid as well as I am that the fluid will build up and I will
have to get needles stuck in me to get the remaining fluid drained. Is there
any way I can just drink a ton of water every day and keep up with exercise
and have the remaining fluid flush itself out without having any problems
with the fluid building up inside me? I had the drainage tube on the right
side in me for two days short of 4 weeks so the medical assistant thinks it
was ok for it to be removed but I am still scared to death that it was too
soon to be taken out. I had a tummy tuck.
Response - The doctor shouldn't be upset with you, if
anyone, he should be upset with the medical assistant who took it out.
I don't know, but I would doubt that drinking lots of water and exercising
would do what you want in a timely manner or your doctor would have
instructed you so.
It sounds like you don't relish the idea getting stuck with needles to
remove the remaining fluid from your body. I had it done and it is not as
bad as it sounds. I documented my experience with the needle on this page
http://www.tummytuckformen.com/tummy-tuck-abdominoplasty-after-surgery-recovery.html
(ref date 12/19/07). The good thing about this is that the area where he
will probably stick the needle is still very numb. When he did it to me I
did not feel anything. No pain at all. If you have a fear of needles, I
would suggest when you go to your appointment tell the doctor that you don't
want to see the needle and be sure to turn your head away when he brings it
out. Most likely the fear of the needle (the worrying) is going to cause you
more pain than the needle itself. I would try to schedule your next
appointment as soon as possible just to get it over with. The less you think
about it the better. Good luck.
Best regards,
Tanner
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Sent: Saturday, June 05, 2010 10:13 AM
Subject: Tummy Tuck Surgical Drains
Ok, so I had my tummy tuck on May 12, 2010 (almost a month ago now) and I still
have the drainage tube in on the right side!!! I'm so frustrated right now, it
hurts so badly just sitting with this thing in me!! It stings so bad and it is
so uncomfortable, the output is at about 30 cc's but I really want it taken out
immediately!! Also, every time I tell my doctor about something I had read that
is a warning sign and should tell him about, he acts like it's no big deal and
it makes me look like I am freaking out over every little thing, so what do I
do??
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Sent: Wednesday, April 28, 2010 5:05 PM
Subject: Tummy Tuck Surgical Drains
I had a tummy tuck done two weeks ago, and my drain is still water and blood my
doctor thinks this is normal, but I don't. I think that that is to long a time
to keep a drain on and the blood context is too much. Please help!
Response - My tummy tuck
drains were removed 6 days after surgery. Two weeks does seem like a long time,
but I would think your doctor would know best as to what is normal and what
isn't.
I did a quick internet search and found the following web site which indicates
that some tummy tuck surgical drains stay in for as long as 15 days or more so
it seems that your situation is not too uncommon.
"Tummy Tuck Drain Removal
How long you will have the drains in place depends on how much drainage you
have. This is one reason you need to keep track of the amount that collects in
the bulbs each day. The surgical drains may be removed in as little as 3 to 5
days or as long as 15 days or more, depending upon the amount of fluid you are
draining."
http://www.tuckthattummy.com/drains_removal.htm
Good luck.
Tanner
-------------------------
Sent: Saturday, April 24,
2010 8:05 PM
Subject: Tummy Tuck Surgical Drains
I had a tummy tuck 2.5 weeks ago, everything went fine I had a drainage tube
inserted on my left side upper pubic area, the dr removed my drain 5 days later,
the area was a bit red but did not hurt, a scab appeared and finally fell off,
the area is now painful to touch and is red, hard and swollen about a half
dollar size but the hole is closed up so there is not any drainage. when should
I become worried or is this normal to have pain there? I do want to say that it
does not hurt unless something touches it.
Response - Sorry for the delay
in responding to your question.
When my drains were removed I had the same symptoms as you describe, but I don't
remember having any pain only sensitivity. My drain "penetration points"
remained sensitive for a few weeks after the tubes were removed. I kept applying
Neosporin and bandages and they eventually healed up nicely.
What you describe sounds like a normal healing process (compared to what I
experienced) but depending on the degree of pain you are having and if you see
signs of inflammation or infection you might want to call your doctors office
and tell them what you are experiencing. They can give you professional advice
and put your mind at ease.
Best regards,
Tanner
-------------------------
Sent: Sat, April 10,
2010 3:54:40 PM
Subject:
Tummy Tuck Surgical Drains
Thank you very much,,
I think I should book a flight to see the same doctor who did the operation very
soon..
Thank you again
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Sent: Saturday, April 10, 2010 8:03 AM
Subject: Tummy Tuck Drains
Dear Dr.
I had a tummy tuck operation in lebanon 7 months ago. my dr. didnt install
draining tubes at all, when I came back home to Kuwait and after 3 months i
started feeling pain and my tummy feels like a hard baseball inside, I went to a
doctor in Kuwait and he said this is normal after a tummy tuck operation, it
most be blood.
he tied to suck it by a serenge but it was hard to come out so he gave me cream
and asked to comeback in one week for another surgery but i was afraid to back..
so please doctor give an advise
yours
Response - I am not a doctor. I am a patient who had a tummy tuck
operation.
I cannot advise you on medical matters.
I can just tell you of my personal experiences of what I went through, but I
have never heard of anyone not having surgical drains installed for a tummy tuck
(but again I am not a doctor).
I never had that pain or "baseball" feeling that you described. I did have a
"tightness" feeling with numbness, but that was expected.
Three months after your tummy tuck you got that feeling and your doctor said it
was normal and it must be blood? It doesn't sound normal to me. Also, I could
not possibly guess why they gave you a cream or what a cream could do to treat
something inside your body.
I would go to a different doctor for a second opinion (or even a third) before
going back for another surgery.
Good luck.
Tanner
-------------------------
Sent: Wednesday, April 07, 2010 6:49 PM
Subject: Tummy Tuck Surgical Drains - Infection
I had tummy tuck done on 3/23. after two weeks I noticed I have a a lot of pain
in my left side where the drain is coming out and noticed the infection and
today the Doctor removed the drain and removed the puss and put me on
Cirofloxacin,750mg. I took one at 12 today but I still feel pain and redness and
inflammation on the site and on my thigh. I do not know what should I do . I am
suppose to see my Doctor tomorrow. Should i go to emergency room? is there any
other antibiotic that I can take bc this one is giving me upset stomach. Please
advise.
Response - I cannot advise you
on a medical condition such as yours. I did not have that problem.
I would think that your doctor gave you emergency phone numbers to call before
your operation. He is the one to tell you what to do and what to expect.
7 hours may be too little time for the antibiotic to have any effect. He may
tell you that it will take time and simply to take something to calm your upset
stomach until tomorrow's appointment rather than changing antibiotics. I do not
know.
If you cannot contact your doctor and you are still concerned why not try
calling the emergency room first and explain your situation to them. They may be
able to save you a trip.
Good luck.
Tanner
-------------------------
Sent: Friday, April 02, 2010 2:05 PM
Subject: Tummy Tuck Surgical Drains
Great information. Thank you! I'm currently scheduled for 2 consultations to
have my tummy tuck done, and no website that I have ever been to has answered my
drainage questions like you have. Thanks again! I'm going to keep your site
info. in case I have more questions in the next few weeks.
Response - I'll be happy to
answer any questions if I can.
Going to you first tummy tuck consultations can be an exciting and scary. You
may want to bring with you a list of written questions to ask the surgeon or his
nurse when you are there.
Some of the questions that I asked can be found at the bottom of this page.
http://www.tummytuckformen.com/tummy-tuck-abdominoplasty-questions-faqs.html
They may give you some ideas for additional questions to ask.
Good luck with
your consultations.
Tanner
-------------------------
Sent: Sunday, March 28, 2010 2:55 PM
Subject: Tummy Tuck Surgical Drains
How much liquid came out of your body?
Response - I kept a written
record of the amount of fluid drained from my body for the first week after my
tummy tuck and body lift. I presented this information to my plastic surgeon at
each of my follow-up visits to help him determine when to remove my surgical
drains. I was told to record this information every four hours then empty each
drain. When the fluid drained slowed to about a few cc's then the surgeon would
remove the drains.
The night of my tummy tuck operation my body was really pumping out the old
bodily fluids at a rate of about 43 cc's per hour. You can view a scan of my
drain records here at page 1 and page 2.
To make it easier to understand I averaged the data and included it in the
following table.
| Day After Surgery | Fluid Drained (CCs) | |||
| Left Drain | Right Drain | Total | Cup | |
| Night of Surgery (Dec 4) | 65 | 100 | 165 | 0.7 |
| Day 1 (Dec 5) | 150 | 193 | 343 | 1.5 |
| Day 2 (Dec 6) | 90 | 100 | 190 | 0.8 |
| Day 3 (Dec 7) First Follow-up Visit | 53 | 53 | 106 | 0.4 |
| Day 4 (Dec 8) | 51 | 39 | 90 | 0.4 |
| Day 5 (Dec 9) | 28 | 27 | 55 | 0.2 |
| Day 6 (Dec 10) Drains Removed | 4 | 4 | 8 | 0.0 |
| Total | 441 | 516 | 957 | 4.1 |
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Sent: Sunday, March 14, 2010 12:40 PM
Subject: Tummy Tuck Surgical Drains
Today i noticed some small seedy-like substance in my drainage tube..like
possible puss..which concerns me for infection from my tummy tuck. I'm taking my
antibiotics faithfully...my pain is minimal...do you think this is normal or
infection?
Response - When I had my tummy tuck I
didn't see any pus or seedy-like substance. I do remember seeing some small
globules of "stuff" mixed with red drainage fluid the day after my surgery
(maybe even the second day). It depends on what you mean by "some" and how long
after surgery this is happening. Your best bet to give you peace of mind would
be call your surgeon (most likely his nurse). I am sure they gave you emergency
contact numbers.
Good luck.
Tanner
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