Could they possibly be the most important thing for successful recoveries? That's a common rule of thumb, but your surgeon may have other criteria. Breast Lift (Mastopexy).
What should you do if your tummy tuck drain gets clogged? It consists of fluid and leukocytes, which are cells that make up the immune system. Expect the fluid in the drain to change colors as the wound heals. In many cases after surgery, the drain is removed when there is less than 30 cubic centimeters (1 ounce) of fluid being drained for two days or when three weeks have passed.
Not only is recovery more pleasant for patients, but we can often achieve better-looking results with this technique. I believe they are extremely important. The tummy tuck drains are also helpful in flattening the stomach area as much as possible. Learn More: Types of Drainage From a Surgical Wound How long does a surgical drain stay on after surgery? Removing drains after tummy tuck. Dr. Power will closely monitor drain output and will remove the drains as soon as possible when medically indicated. After the underwear is on, I recommend you use a cotton T-shirt.
This provides more even tension along the remodeled tissues and closes the space between the skin/fat layer and the abdominal muscles. One commonly used suction drain is the "Jackson Pratt" (or, "JP") drain, which has several components. Instead of letting the abdominal wall and other tissues heal back together slowly, I speed this process along by suturing the areas together. If your plastic surgeon uses drains after your tummy tuck, it is a precaution to help avoid seroma. Listen To Your Surgeon. Avoid perfumed soaps and lotions, as these can irritate the skin. During your post-operative appointments, your surgeon will evaluate your progress and determine whether the drains can be removed. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? The post-surgery foam pads will provide you with total compression over the healing area and assist in the even distribution of pressure for increased comfort and healing. A tummy lift will smooth out their stomach and get rid of stretch marked tissue. If not, feel free to reach me directly through our contact form or leave a comment below! Will I Need a Drain After My Tummy Tuck? Maybe Not, With Our Special Technique. How often you empty the bulb depends on how much fluid is draining.
When your drains collect less than 30ccs in over a 24-hour period, you'll know it's time to remove drains. This surgery is ideal for mothers wishing for their pre-baby body, people recovering from significant weight loss, and individuals whose abdomen has become loose and prominent due to age. Following these instructions will help you have a healthy surgery and positive recovery. Many patients can return to work within a week. You need to empty the bulb when it is about half full and record the amount of fluid. Drains after tummy tuck - for how long. A more aesthetic feminine figure. Clean Skin around Drain Sites. Another trick that has helped my patients is to use gauze and tape to support the drain right below the exit site on the skin.
A "Daddy Do-Over" or "Many makeovers" consists of the following routinely combined with a drainless male tummy tuck: - Gynecomastia Removal/Male Breast Reduction. But they can cause discomfort, depending on how big they are and where they are placed. Addressing Common Issues. Patients wear compression garments for several weeks after surgery to manage the swelling and expedite the entire healing process. The drains are plastic "balls" that work by suction. Your surgeon will request a drain log reporting how much fluid was drained along with the date and time. Surgical Drains and Recovery by. Tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that removes redundant skin and soft tissues of the lower abdomen while tightening the abdominal core muscles. Hands have bacteria on them, and hand washing decreases bacteria and the chance of infection. Drainage will darken over time as bleeding stops and old blood is drained from the surgical site. First, Dr. Lopez will need to learn about your health to ensure a tummy tuck is a healthy, safe option for you. This creates a space that, until healed, can allow fluid to enter and result in a complication called seroma—a buildup of fluid that can elevate infection risk and compromise your results. In a traditional tummy tuck, there is a gap left between the fat and muscle of the abdomen to allow for excess fluid to collect. If drainage is completely blocked from getting into the bulb, let your provider know. However, this process may feel somewhat uncomfortable, especially the first time.
It is a good idea to empty the drains at the same time each day to accurately assess drain output.