Depending on the type of cosmetic procedure that is done, Dr. Paul Pin may send his patients home with one or more plastic surgical drains. Surgical drains are used for procedures that are more involved, such as tummy tucks, breast augmentations or reductions, or arm or thigh lifts. These procedures may involve incisions into the layers of tissue underneath the skin. The surgical drains serve as a vital part of the healing process and should be properly maintained. Dr. Pin will discuss how to take proper care of any surgical drains in his pre-surgery instructions for patients.

What Purpose Do Surgical Drains Serve?

Surgical drains help remove excess blood and fluid from the surgical incision sites. The draining fluid also provides Dr. Pin with important knowledge about how well the healing process is going. The drains also prevent formation of hematomas (pooled blood that can be clotted, liquid, or some combination) or seromas (pools of clear serous fluid) from underneath both internal and external incisions. Both hematomas and seromas can delay wound healing.

Most drains will have a clear plastic tube leading out of the body that is attached to a small bulb that holds the fluid that has drained. Dr. Pin may ask patients to chart the amount and color of the fluid that is drained out of the body two to three times a day. First, gently squeeze the tube to get any collected fluid into the bulb end. Flip open the cap lid on the bulb and dump out the fluid into a small measuring cup to track the amount that has collected each time. Squeeze the bulb tightly to re-establish a vacuum, and then close the lid. The fluid may be clear, or it may have a small amount of blood. Patients can easily chart this on an Excel spreadsheet.

Caring for Surgical Drains

Surgical drains may either be taped to the body below the incision site so that gravity will help with fluid draining, or can be attached to a makeshift gauze belt or compression garment.

Dr. Pin recommends patients shower rather than take baths until all surgical drains have been removed and the incisions are fully healed over. Use an antibacterial soap around the drain incision sites, and do not use old washcloths or sponges, as they may be harboring harmful bacteria.

Dr. Pin may remove all the drains at the same time, or in stages, depending on how much fluid is collected. Once the drains are out, keep the incision sites as clean and dry as possible until they are fully healed over.

It may seem as though surgical drains are a nuisance or an inconvenience. However, they will help you heal sooner with less scarring if they are properly maintained. To learn more about the care of surgical drains, and to find out if you are a good candidate for plastic surgery, contact the practice of Dr. Paul Pin today. We will be happy to schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience.