I don’t use drains much anymore. But I still use them in tummy tucks. Many still use them in breast reductions or facelifts too.
WHY USE DRAINS IN PLASTIC SURGERY?
We use drains to help remove fluid in spaces. When we elevate skin and move it, we create a space. We don’t want fluid to go into the space- we want the tissue to be touching to help it seal and glue itself back together. Sometimes we use “quilting” or “progressive tension sutures” to help close thie space down. We also use TXA and other agents to try to decrease any fluid loss into the space. Even with that, I still use a single drain in my tummy tucks.
WHAT DOES THE COLOR OF DRAINS MEAN?
At first it will look bloody, like a Merlot wine. As time goes on, the color tends to get lighter- KoolAid color, then clearer pink or yellow. This photo has very little blood in the discharge- it is mostly what we call “serosanguinous” or “serous” fluid. Bright red color can signal something. You should see the color getting lighter nad thinner with time.
WHAT DOES THE AMOUNT OF FLUID IN THE DRAIN MEAN?
Your body can absorb a certain amount of fluid. So when the output is lower than that, we know it is safe to remove the drain. You will measure the amount that comes out over 24 hours and report it to us.
To measure the amount, you want 24 hour totals. And you want to measure the amount in cc’s/ml’s. (Not tablespoons). And you need to measure it when the bulb is not collapsed.
