Tummy Tucks and Drains

Over the past few months, I have had a few post op clients who have dealt with issues pertaining to drains. More specifically, their drains coming out too early.

Tummy tucks and breast augmentations commonly have drains. When you wake up from surgery, you also may or may not have drains.

These drains will usually be kept for around 10 days, or until you have drained less than 25 ml of fluid in 24 hours.

You want to make sure your drains do not come out too early.

This can lead to large amounts of fluid not being able to properly drain which can cause infections under the skin and/or seromas.

With no drains, fluids will drain from your incisions during the first few days. You may notice this more during your massages. Some incisions may heal fast, leading some healthcare professionals to reopen them IF fluid is collecting under the skin. This will allow fluid to continue draining externally, giving the client relief. If this is done, it will only be for this first few days.

If the incision is not reopened, or once they are fully closed, the fluids that remain will be removed from your body through your lymphatic system. Lymphatic drainage massages will further help the body get rid of the excess fluids and help reduce swelling.

In short terms, you will pee out the excess fluids from your body.

After massages, you will find yourself using the bathroom more. Drinking fluids will further help your body flush out the fluids and any toxins.

When it comes to surgery, there are so many different recommendations or ways to do things. Plus, every body is different so each recovery will be different as well.

Make sure to pay attention to your body and never hesitate to call the doctor/surgeon or your massage therapist about any concerns.