Drainage color is usually clear, but it can be pink, yellow, or brown. Drainage color depends on how much blood was in the area and how much of it has been absorbed by your body.
In general, drainage should be clear for a few days after surgery. If it’s not clear, then you should talk to your surgeon about what it means.
The color of your drainage after a tummy tuck will depend on the reason for your surgery. If you are having a tummy tuck to remove excess skin, the drainage will be yellow and clear. The drainage will be purple if you are having a tummy tuck to restore weak muscles and tissues caused by pregnancy or other factors.
What Color Should Drainage Be After Tummy Tuck
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. 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. Drains may be left in place for a longer time period if required in some cases.
DRAINS AFTER TUMMY TUCK – FOR HOW LONG?
Drains are commonly used after tummy tuck surgery to lower the risk of developing a fluid collection at the surgical site and associated complications. Two drains after tummy tuck are typically placed, which may exit through the traverse incision of the lower abdomen to eliminate additional scarring. Patients will be instructed regarding appropriate drain care prior to discharge home after tummy tuck. You will be shown how to measure and record the output as well as how to appropriately maintain drain suction. Patients often ask, “how long until drains may be removed after tummy tuck?”.
Drains after tummy tuck are removed when drainage has tapered appropriately
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. 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. Drains may be left in place for a longer time period if required in some cases.
What may happen if drains after tummy tuck are removed too early?
If drains after tummy tuck are removed too early, there may be increased risk of seroma formation (fluid collection). Almost all patients after tummy tuck will develop a small seroma if investigated using ultrasound. If a seroma is clinically apparent, there are different options. A small collection will likely resorb on its own and may not require treatment. If large or symptomatic, it may be aspirated during a follow up visit. If concerns regarding an infected seroma develop, drainage would be urgently required in addition to wound care as healing progresses. Drains and the abdominal compression binder are an important combination to lower risk of fluid accumulation at the surgical site after tummy tuck.
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. Dr. Power will closely monitor drain output and will remove the drains as soon as possible when medically indicated. Prophylactic antibiotics may be prescribed when drains are in place, which will be discussed during your pre-operative visit.
Does drain removal hurt?
Drain removal is performed in office during a routine post-operative appointment. It is generally not a painful process. Local anesthetic is not required. The drain is first taken off suction and its retaining stitch is released. Patients may experience a pulling or pressure-like sensation, however drain removal is generally well-tolerated and over within a few seconds.
Tummy Tuck Drains: What You Need to Know?
Drains are often used during or after surgery to help the body expel fluids that collect at the surgical site. Abdominoplasty, or tummy tucks, are no different and patients will have one or two temporary tummy tuck drains inserted after the procedure.
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. Women, who have finished having children, are probably the most common tummy tuck patients followed by people who have achieved considerable weight loss. Losing that extra skin is like the crowning achievement after working hard to get to a normal weight!
Removing that excess skin leaves behind empty, or dead, space that often fills with plasma and seroma. Plasma is fluid that develops outside of cells and normally transports nutrients around the body, while seroma is clear. Generally, you’ll notice the tummy tuck drains — thing plastic tubes — first remove plasma, which is red or pink, followed by yellow or clear seroma.
It’s normal for the body to send fluids to an injured area, and surgery does injure the body even if it’s repairing something inside. These fluids cause pain and swelling, but it’s the body’s way to cushion an injured area. The body can drain fluids on its own after minor injuries, but after surgery, it often floods the surgical site and can’t drain fluids fast enough.
Drains speed up the process and avoid additional swelling and infection and in turn help with faster healing. They are thin, clear silicone tubes that are inserted through very small incisions behind the main incision. They reach into the area between the ribcage and pubic region, or a smaller gap in the lower part of the incision made into the abdomen.
How Long Do Those Drain Tubes After Tummy Tuck Remain?
Tummy tuck drains remain for 5-7 days after the surgery. Most patients need 2 weeks of time off work to recover.
Dr. Rochlin will provide instructions on how to keep the drain tubes clean and empty the fluids, which accumulate into a bulb that’s emptied a few times a day. She will also explain how to keep the surgical area clean and dry. The bulb has marks that indicate how much fluid has been drained. Dr. Rochlin sometimes asks patients to keep a log.
Patients are encouraged to walk after surgery even when drains are still in place. Moving helps with blood circulation, helps prevent DVT’s, and can be a useful distraction from lingering post-op soreness.
How to Remove Tummy Tuck Drains
Here are some tips that may help reduce drainage after tummy tuck surgery:
1. Follow Postoperative Care Instructions
Postoperative care is crucial for a successful recovery after tummy tuck surgery. Following your surgeon’s instructions can help reduce the risk of complications and promote healing. Here are some general postoperative care instructions for reducing drainage after tummy tuck surgery:
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- Follow your surgeon’s instructions for wound care, including how to clean the incision sites and how often to change dressings. Keeping the incision sites clean and dry can help prevent infection and promote healing.
- Wear contraction garments as instructed by your surgeon. Compression garments help reduce swelling and support the tissues as they heal.
- Stay doused and eat a healthy, stable diet. Drinking plenty of fluids and eating foods rich in vitamins and minerals can help support the healing process.
- Avoid emphatic conditioning and heavy lifting for several weeks after surgery. These activities can increase the risk of bleeding and other complications.
- Keep your follow-up appointments with your surgeon. Your surgeon will monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your care plan.
- If you experience excessive drainage or any other signs of complications, contact your surgeon immediately. Beforehand intervention can help prevent serious complexities.
2. Get Plenty of Rest
Getting plenty of rest is an important aspect of postoperative care after tummy tuck surgery. Resting allows your body to heal and recover from the trauma of surgery. Here are some tips for getting the rest you need during your recovery:
- Take time off work and other responsibilities. It is important to give yourself time to rest and recover without the added stress of work or other obligations.
- Arrange for help with household chores and childcare. You may need assistance with tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and caring for children or pets during your recovery.
- Stay in a comfortable, supportive position. Elevating your head and legs can help reduce swelling and improve circulation. Your surgeon may recommend specific positions or pillows to use during your recovery.
- Avoid sleeping on your stomach or side for several weeks after surgery. Sleeping on your back can help reduce pressure on the incision sites and promote healing.
- Take pain drug as specified by your surgeon. Pain can interfere with restful sleep, and taking medication as directed can help you feel more comfortable and relaxed.
3. Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is important for maintaining good health and promoting healing after tummy tuck surgery. Drinking plenty of water can help flush out toxins and reduce inflammation, which can help reduce drainage.
Here are some tips for staying hydrated during your recovery:
- Drink plenty of water. Aim to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water per day, or as recommended by your surgeon. Staying hydrated can help prevent constipation, which is a common side effect of pain medication and can be uncomfortable during recovery.
- Limit caffeinated and alcoholic beverages. These beverages can dehydrate the body and interfere with healing. Stick to water and other non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic beverages during your recovery.
- Eat foods with high water content. Fruits and vegetables like watermelon, cucumber, and celery have a high water content and can help keep you hydrated.
- Use a humidifier. Dry air can contribute to dehydration and make it harder to breathe. Using a humidifier can help keep the air moist and promote healing.
- Monitor your urine color. Urine that is light yellow or clear is a sign of adequate hydration, while dark yellow or amber urine may indicate dehydration. Aim to keep your urine color light by drinking enough water.
4. Eat a Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy diet can provide your body with the nutrients it needs to heal and recover after tummy tuck surgery. Foods that are high in protein, such as lean meats, fish, and beans, can help promote tissue repair and reduce inflammation.
Here are some tips for eating a healthy diet during your recovery:
- Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help promote healing and reduce inflammation.
- Choose lean protein sources. Lean proteins like chicken, fish, and tofu can help your body build and repair tissues. Avoid fatty meats and processed meats, which can increase inflammation and delay healing.
- Avoid sugary and processed foods. These foods can increase inflammation and disrupt the healing process. Instead, choose whole foods like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Adequate hydration is essential for healing and can help prevent constipation, which can be uncomfortable during recovery.
- Consider supplements or vitamins. Your surgeon may recommend specific supplements or vitamins to support healing after tummy tuck surgery. Be sure to follow their instructions and only take supplements or vitamins that have been approved by your surgeon.
5. Manage Pain and Discomfort
Managing pain and discomfort after tummy tuck surgery can help reduce drainage and promote healing. Your surgeon may define pain drug or recommend untoward pain relievers to manage discomfort. Applying cold compresses to the surgical area can also help reduce swelling and discomfort.
Here are some tips for managing pain and discomfort after tummy tuck surgery:
- Take pain medication as directed. Your surgeon will define pain drug to manage pain after surgery. Be sure to take it as directed and avoid taking more than the recommended dose.
- Use cold compresses. Cold compresses can help reduce swelling and numbness. Apply a cold compress to the surgical area for 10-15 minutes at a time, several times a day.
- Use heat therapy. Heat therapy, such as a warm compress or a heating pad, can help relax muscles and ease tension. Be sure to check with your surgeon before using heat therapy.
6. Avoid Smoking and Alcohol
Smoking and alcohol can delay healing and increase the risk of complications after tummy tuck surgery. It is important to avoid smoking and alcohol for at least two weeks before and after surgery.
