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.
Generally speaking, most patients who require tummy tuck drains are able to have them removed after about 1 – 3 weeks.
Usually, your first drain can be removed within two weeks from your tummy tuck. However, your second drain is typically left in until the fluid being drained is less than about 30 mL per day for 24 hours. That's a common rule of thumb, but your surgeon may have other criteria.
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.
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.
That buildup of fluid could lead to a complication called a seroma. A seroma is the most common complication following tummy tuck surgery, and traditionally, drains have been used to prevent them.
One of the most significant risks of removing your tummy tuck surgery drains too early is infection. Any time a wound is left open and exposed to bacteria, an infection can quickly set in. This may lead to increased pain and swelling and changes to the appearance of the scar.
– 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.
In the days and weeks after surgery your body needs time to repair the incision. During this time, the incision will likely become inflamed and there may be some drainage. A mild amount of drainage from the incision is normal.
Having a drain removed usually does not hurt, but it can feel rather odd as the tubing slides out of the body. The incision is then covered with a dressing or left open to the air. Stitches usually are not needed. But it's a good idea to avoid swimming or soaking in a tub for several days.
The best position to sleep after your tummy tuck is on your back. This position might be uncomfortable if you usually sleep on your side or stomach, but most patients get used to this position quickly. Sleeping on your stomach or side can strain your incisions and result in post-operative complications.
It's recommended that patients who underwent surgeries like liposuction or tummy tucks start with three to five massage sessions beginning two weeks after the procedure.
Plastic surgeons commonly are asked when can I sleep on my side after a tummy tuck. Generally, you can start sleeping on your side after about two weeks post-surgery.
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.
Although it is not required, lymphatic massage is incredibly beneficial to post-surgery recovery and highly recommended after some procedures.
There are a variety of products sold specifically for the purpose of hiding tummy tuck drains. Among them are post-surgical drain belts in stylish, waterproof fabrics that enable you to wear your bulb outside your body without drawing attention.
Swelling and Bruising.
Tissue injury, whether accidental or intentional (e.g. surgery), is followed by localized swelling. After surgery, swelling increases progressively, reaching its peak by the third day. It is generally worse when you first arise in the morning and decreases throughout the day.
Serous drainage is a clear, thin, and watery exudate that typically appears during the inflammatory stage of wound healing.
When you first get the drain, the fluid will be bloody. It will change colour from red to pink to a light yellow or clear as the wound heals and the fluid starts to go away. Your doctor may give you information on when you no longer need the drain and when it will be removed.
Overall, a drainless tummy tuck is commonly preferred by both surgeons and patients alike, due to the simplified, straightforward process. Unfortunately, not all patients do well with a brainless tummytuck. Thin patients without much fat in their belly show small contour irregularities easier than others.
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.
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.
Seroma is a collection of fluid that builds up under the surface of your skin. A seroma sometimes develops after surgical procedures and is a common complication associated with a tummy tuck. After a tummy tuck, your surgical team typically puts drainage tubes in place for a few days or hours.
If you undergo tummy tuck, breast reduction, or a body lift, we may place a drain after surgery. If you have a drain, it is best to take sponge baths while you heal. Fill a clean basin with warm water and soap, and use a soft sponge or washcloth to clean the body, being sure to gently clean around the treatment site.
Is a drainless tummy tuck safe? Drainless tummy tucks are completely safe when they are performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon. The recovery experience for both kinds of tummy tucks is generally the same.