The following post from our forum is from a woman who had a tummy tuck two weeks ago and her surgical drains are still collecting 100cc of brownish fluid each day. She is wondering how long the drains can stay in after an extended tummy tuck.

Date: 09/25/2011 Submitted by: VickiTummy Tuck Still Draining Brownish Fluid After Two Weeks

It’s exactly 2 weeks now and I’m still draining 100cc in a 24hr. Is this something that I should be concerned about? What’s coming out looks clear almost brownish in color. How long can a drainage stay in after a extended tummy?

RESPONSE

Date: 09/25/2011 Submitted by: Tanner

Vicki,

Two weeks is not an excessive amount of time to have surgical drains.

If you look in the forum and sort the category column looking for “surgical drains” you will find many people that had surgical drains for that long a time and longer.

The drain fluid you describe sounds normal enough (according to https://www.tummytuckformen.com/tummy_tuck_infection.html).

I don’t know of any set time that a surgical drain can remain in your body. It all depends upon what your body needs and what your surgeon says.

I wouldn’t be concerned yet, but if you are, check with your doctor. He (or more likely his nurse) can probably ease your concerns with a quick phone call.

Good luck.

Tanner