How Long Do They Have to Be Left In?

You just had surgery and now have drains. For how long? Surgical drains can be left in for one day up to three weeks, depending on the surgery performed and the amount of fluid being produced. 

Can They Be Removed Early?

Some may think it’s okay to remove them early, but it may not be worth the risk. Surgical drains play a vital role in the healing process and removing them too early can lead to delayed recovery and complications. Removal is not recommended until the output is less than 30cc/mL’s for 24 hours.

Complications That Can Happen If They Are Removed Early

These are a few of the complications that can happen if we do not wait long enough before removing them:

Infection

Is the most serious problem that can happen if surgical drains are removed too early. If accumulated fluid is not able to evacuate, it can collect under the skin, creating the perfect environment for bacteria to grow. Infection can cause:

• Pain. 
• Swelling.
• Redness.
• Changing the shape or color of the scar. 

Infections require antibiotics and possibly other surgical procedures.

Seroma

Seroma is the most common complication of removing drains too early. This collection of fluid can cause pain, swelling, and uneven appearance. Aspiration or other procedures may need to be performed to correct this problem. Leaving the drain in long enough can prevent this complication.

Hematomas

Hematomas or collections of blood under the skin, may result if surgical drains are not left in long enough. Hematomas cause bruising, pain when pressuring, swelling and tenderness. In some cases, additional surgery may be needed to remove the clot, as it can cut off circulation to the surrounding tissue.

Fluid Accumulation

Fluid accumulation puts pressure on the healing wound; it stretches the sutures and slows healing time. In some cases, the wound can open on its own to release the pressure, which may cause a “gush” of fluid. Keeping drains in long enough gives your body time to heal and avoid issues such as this. 

Not only can fluid build-up open a wound that hasn’t finished healing, it can also stretch the scar resulting in wide, raised or discolored scarring. Proper drainage allows the wound to close without tension.

Lastly, when you’re having plastic surgery that requires fluid drainage, it’s because the doctor has undermined tissue. This means that the tissue has been separated and must re-adhere in its new position. Fluid build-up can cause a pocket to form and prevent re-adherence from happening. This can lead to bumps, uneven contours, wrinkles, and irregular scar formation.

☝ For these reasons, the doctor may keep your surgical drains in longer than expected. We understand that it’s not ideal, but our office is trying to give you the best possible results.

Does It Hurt to Pull the Drain?

You might be worried that surgical drains removal will be painful, but it’s just a little bit uncomfortable. You may feel gentle pressure or tugging. While the sensation could feel weird, it only lasts a few seconds. You might have mild soreness afterwards that usually resolves quickly. An over-the-counter pain reliever can be used if needed. 

Can I Remove the Drain?

Please do not try to remove the drains yourself. It may look easy but there is a specific way to do it. The drain should only be removed by an experienced medical professional in Morris County.

What If the Drain Comes Out?

Your drain is secured in place with a suture, so it should not come out. However, if it does, please contact our office immediately at 973.295.6565. If your fluid output is low enough, the doctor may recommend not replacing it.

If your drain comes out and you experience pain, swelling, or redness, please let us know immediately. This could be a sign of infection and it needs to be treated. It may be necessary to place a new drain in the area so that fluid can be evacuated.

What If I’m Still Draining After the Drain is Removed?

If you have drainage after the drain is removed, please contact our office as soon as possible. You may have a seroma, an infection, or an issue with wound healing. It’s important that we are aware of this so we can determine if additional treatment is needed. 

Management of Your Surgical Drains in Morris County

Keep Them Clean

To strip—clean—your drain, start where the drain emerges from your body. Pinch the tube between your thumb and index finger, using the thumb nail to slide down the tubing, away from your body and into the bulb. An alcohol swab can help your fingers slide easier. Wrap the alcohol swab around the tubing, pinch using your thumb and index finger, and slide away from your body towards the bulb. Pour contents into a medicine cup to measure.

If you see dark squiggly lines, these are clots and should be removed from the tubing to prevent clogging. Pinch the tube above the clot—closer to your body—and squeeze the tubing to milk the clot away from you and into the bulb. When squeezing these out of the bulb into the measuring cup, pump the bulb instead of squeezing too firmly. If the clot is hanging out of the bulb, you can pull it out with your fingers.

Measure and Record Everything

Please measure and record everything that comes out of the drain. It should be measured in cc’s or mL’s—indicated on the side of the cup. We will be asking for a 24-hour output. Start at the same time each morning, then empty the bulb as many times as needed throughout the day, until you get to the same time the next morning. That’s your 24-hour measurement.