What are tummy tuck surgical Drains?

Surgical drains are those things that the surgeon sticks into during an operation. They help drain the waste fluid from your body after the operation when you are trying to recover. They have stay inside you a long time. Unfortunately they are cumbersome and make you look like one of those Borg creatures on Star trek. More Surgical Drain Information.

How long will I have the surgical drains?

Typically you will have surgical drains for 5-7 days after your surgery. 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 (as directed by your doctor).

Will I have drains?

Most likely you will have surgical drains installed during your surgery but it is up to your surgeon and the type of operation you are having.

Are drains used in surgery?

Yes, surgical drains are a routine part of an operation.

What is a surgical drain and what is it used for?

They are flexible plastic tubes that are inserted into the body to drain pus, blood or other fluids from the surgical wound area. For my operation they were installed by the surgeon during the surgery and were removed one week later.

What do I do with the blood after I empty the surgical drain?

Record the amount collected, then flush it down the toilet.

How often do I have to empty the surgical drains?

Empty surgical drains when they get full or every 4 hours or as directed by your surgeon. Record the time and amount of fluid each time your drain them.

How do I wear surgical drains?

There are many different ways to wear tummy tuck surgical drains. One way is to simply pin them to your compression garment or clothing.

Do the 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.