A tummy tuck can help you reach your body goals. After the surgery, you will need to take care of the drains. Drains help remove extra fluids from your body as you heal.
This guide, created with insights from Dr. William, provides easy steps to care for your drains after a tummy tuck so you can recover safely and smoothly.
Cleaning Your Drains
Keeping your surgical drains clean is key to avoiding infection. Here’s how:
- Wash Daily: Use soap and water to clean around the drain area. Be gentle.
- Pat Dry: After washing, pat the area dry with a clean towel. Do not rub.
Stripping Your Drains
Stripping the drains helps them work properly. This means pushing fluids down the tube to keep it clear.
Tip: Do this a few times each day, or as directed by Dr. William’s post-op instructions.
Emptying and Recording Drain Output
You need to empty your drains when they are full, or at least once a day. Keeping track of the output helps your doctor know how you are healing.
1. How to Empty the Drains
- Open the drain and pour the fluid into a measuring cup.
- Write down how many cc’s (cubic centimeters) of fluid you collected.
2. Track Each Drain Separately
If you have two drains, record the output from each one individually.
3. Share With Your Doctor
Bring this record to your follow-up appointments.
Note: The amount of fluid may change daily. One drain might have more output than the other—this is normal. Drains are usually removed when the output is less than 25 cc’s in a 24-hour period. Your doctor will decide when it is time to take them out.
After Drain Removal
Once your doctor removes the drain, you will need to care for the site properly.
- Apply Gauze: Place gauze over the opening where the drain was. For comfort, put some under and over the spot.
- Change the Gauze: Replace gauze when it becomes wet. If you see a small amount of fluid leaking, add extra gauze to absorb it. This is usually not a concern if the drain was working before removal.
Checking If Your Drain Is Working
Drains use suction to remove fluid. A functioning drain should look collapsed.
What to Look For
- Working drain: Collapsed (suction is working)
- Not working drain: Expanded (filled with air – suction is lost)
If your drain is expanded, it means fluid is not being removed properly.
What to Do If Your Drain Is Not Working
If your drain isn’t staying collapsed:
Check for Leaks
Look around the tubing and connections for any signs of looseness.
Try a New Bulb
Sometimes the bulb that creates suction may be faulty. Replacing it could fix the issue.
Contact Your Surgeon
If suction isn’t restored, the drain might have a leak. Contact your doctor. A non-functioning drain can lead to infection and may need to be removed.
Key Points to Remember
- Clean drains daily with soap and water
- Strip drains a few times each day
- Empty and record output every 24 hours
- Ensure drains stay collapsed
- After removal, use gauze and keep the site clean
Recovery Starts with Proper Drain Care
Taking care of your drains is an important part of healing after a tummy tuck. Following these steps can help prevent complications and give you a smoother recovery experience.
Want to learn more about tummy tucks and recovery tips?
Visit Dr. William Miami’s website for expert guidance and surgical aftercare support.
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