– Is drain removal painful? Patients may experience a pulling or pressure sensation, however there is generally no pain experienced during drain removal. Drain removal takes only a few seconds. The stitch securing the drain in place is first removed followed by gentle removal of the drainage tube.
Removing surgical drains can be painful. Currently, there is no evidence to predict which patients may experience greater pain than others.
Removing drains too soon may result in fluid buildup, seroma, and the need for fluid aspiration and/or a second surgery. Generally speaking, most patients who require tummy tuck drains are able to have them removed after about 1 – 3 weeks.
Place a dry dressing over the site where the drain was removed. Some drainage from the site commonly occurs until the wound heals.
The drained fluid is collected into a dressing, bag, or container. You should see the drainage decrease after you go home, and you may see it change color. You should be shown how to empty the drain before you are discharged, and you should ask if you need to measure the drainage.
After drain removal, cover the site with a Band-Aid or dressing for one day. After one day, the hole usually is closed. You can use a Band-Aid or other dressing if there is leakage from the hole. Shower and bathe as usual.
How Long Does It Take for a Drain Hole to Heal? The drainage hole is about as wide as a pencil. The hole will close in a few days and fully heal in three to four weeks.
To remove the drain, remove any visible tape that may be securing the tubing to your skin or dressing. Gently pull the plastic tubing out. There may be slight discomfort but the tube should pull out easily. You should leave the rest of the bandage intact unless the physician has instructed you otherwise.
Answer: Not necessary to stitch close drain incisions
It isn't necessary to stitch close the incisions where the drains are inserted because they are very small and heal well on their own.
You may shower 48 hours after your drain is removed. If you have more than one drain, you cannot shower until the last drain has been out for 48 hours. The dressing that was applied to the site where the JP drain(s) was pulled can be left on for the remainder of the day.
The best sleeping position after tummy tuck surgery is on your back with your upper body elevated to create a slight bend or angle. Using pillows or sleeping in a recliner is ideal to achieve this position.
Answer: Drainage can vary...
In the first 24 hours the amount of fluid that drains may be as high as 300cc's. With time drainage usually slows, and when the levels drop sufficiently the drains can be removed.In our practice we typically remove drains when they drop below 25cc per 24 hours.
Drainage will gradually taper following tummy tuck surgery. It will initially appear bloody over the first few days. Drainage will darken over time as bleeding stops and old blood is drained from the surgical site. The fluid then gradually changes to a clear yellow or pink-tinged hue, which is omaous drainage.
Using standard aseptic technique, clean around the site and remove any sutures. Pinching the edges of the skin together, rotate tubing from side to side gently to loosen, then remove the drain using a smooth, but fast, continuous traction.
It is normal to have a little bit of drainage after the drain has removed. The skin wound will need a few days to fully close and until that happens some fluid can leak. However, there should not be a large amount of drainage, nor bright red blood. If this happens, go see your surgeon immediately.
Answer: Drain sites can be irritated and painful
If the drain is not ready for removal then a topical or injectable numbing cream/solution can be applied around the drain site to relive the discomfort. Please see your plastic surgeon and ask for a numbing agent for you to use.
A closed suction drain in the surgical field can decrease seroma formation and possibly reduces the risk of infection. However, prolonged drain duration may increase infection rate due to ascending infection.
Answer: You should only remove the drain after and abdominoplasty by yourself if permitted by your own surgeon.
Answer: Post surgical attire
After surgery you would be most comfortable in over sized sweatpants and a zip up or button up shirt. Some patients choose to wear a robe with pockets so they can place their drainage bulbs in the pockets. The idea is to wear loose, comfortable clothing is the goal.
Yes, a registered nurse ( especially under the employment/guidance of your plastic surgeon) can remove drains.
It is very normal to have discomfort after drains are removed. I would keep your p/o appointment to reassure yourself that everything is healing correctly.
Many tummy tucks require the placement of drains for a few days post-surgery. A drain is a small tube that is temporarily attached to the body after surgery with sutures. These drains remove excess fluid and blood from the body to aid in healing and reduce swelling or inflammation.
If your tummy tuck drain fell out and you are experiencing any pain, redness, or swelling in the area, be sure to contact your doctor right away. These could be signs of infection and should be treated as soon as possible.
Boiling Water
Make sure the water is at a full, rolling boil, and that the drain is as clear of standing water as possible before pouring the water down the drain. It may take a couple of tries, but boiling water can loosen up a clog enough to push it through the pipes and get the water draining normally again.