Drains are usually removed when draining 30cc or less over a few consecutive days. Most commonly the drain with lower output is removed at approximately one week post-operatively. The second drain is usually removed the following week when drainage has tapered appropriately.
A ballpark is 30mL of drainage or less over a few consecutive 24 hour periods. Generally the first drain is removed one week post-operatively and the second drain shortly thereafter when appropriate levels have been reached.
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.
Drains After Tummy Tuck Help With Healing
Although it may sound weird that your body needs to drain after tummy tuck surgery, it's important to understand draining is necessary to help your body heal from the surgery and avoid infection. Tummy tucks remove excess skin that's left behind after weight loss.
Empty the reservoir at least two times a day, even if it's not full. You may need to empty it more than twice if it gets full. Change the dressing around the wound at least once a day, or more often if it becomes soaked or dirty. “Milk” the tubing every four hours while you are awake.
While serous or serosanguineous drainage is normal in small amounts, call your surgeon or healthcare provider if the drainage is profuse or persists for longer than 72 hours.
The reason for leaving the drain tubes in is to decrease ti chance of fluid collection (seroma). However, leaving the tubes in too long can increase the chance of infection at the tune sites and potentially into deeper space.
Answer: Activity after a Tummy Tuck
If you do too much too early you put yourself at risk for seromas, hematomas, or incision separation. Be careful and follow the instructions of your surgeon.
Wearing compression garments that are too tight or too loose impairs healing and causes more harm than good. These garments should ideally provide adequate support to your abdomen's healing areas following liposuction or Tummy Tuck without causing you discomfort.
Answer: It is normal to have drains more than 3 weeks? Congratulations on having undergone the tummy tuck procedure. Yes, sometimes drains are necessary for three weeks, or even longer.
What if drains after tummy tuck are removed too late? If drains are left in place too long after tummy tuck, this may promote ongoing drainage. It may also increase risk of developing an infection.
A compression garment can help reduce swelling around your midsection, as it will limit the amount of fluid that can accumulate in the area. Your surgeon will advise on the best length of time for you to wear a compression garment following your surgery, but generally one should be worn for around two weeks.
Unfortunately, there is nothing really that you can or should do to help rapidly decrease the drainage and bed rest is an imprudent choice. You can be active but not very vigorous.
Hemorrhagic drainage
If the blood is dark red and steadily flowing, it may mean a vein has ruptured.
Some restrictions right after a tummy tuck include; No Heavy lifting at all during your recovery. Avoid strenuous physical activities, swimming and driving until your surgeon gives you the green light. Stay home and get rest for 2-3 weeks.
Most women lose between 2 and 3 pants sizes after a tuck, but there are patients who lose even more. If you had a lot of loose skin before the procedure, for example, you could go down 4 more pants sizes.
Dressing Care: You will have an abdominal binder put on at the time of surgery. It should be snug but not too tight. It should be comfortable to wear.
Yes. Wearing a compression garment is the best way to ensure you get your intended results and also prevent critical complications like fluid buildup or inflammation. You'll be able to take off your compression garment for short periods of time like while bathing, but you should wear it according to Dr.
Usually after 1-2 weeks after tummy tuck you are able to stand straight, each patient is differently your body on its own will straighten when you are ready. Some patients take longer up to 3 weeks to fully stand straight.
Will sneezing or coughing hurt my tummy tuck results? Sneezing, coughing and laughing in the days following surgery should not hurt your results (although it might be slightly uncomfortable). Your sutures are designed to withstand normal muscle movement and they will not come out if you sneeze, laugh or cough.
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.
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.
Answer: You should only remove the drain after and abdominoplasty by yourself if permitted by your own surgeon.