If you’re considering plastic surgery, one aspect of recovery that may be on your mind is the possibility of having post-op surgical drains. The thought of coming home after a procedure with little plastic devices attached to the body can be unsettling for many. Here’s some information that may help ease your mind just a bit.
What is a Surgical Drain?
There are several different types of surgical drains, and they’re used routinely for heart surgery, abdominal surgery, orthopedic surgery and general surgery. For plastic surgery, the drain may consist of a tube coming from the wound and ending in a small plastic bulb, or it may be a tube that terminates into a gauze dressing.
Why Might I Need Drains?
Surgical drains channel fluid away from a surgical site. Their most obvious purpose is to prevent fluid build-up after surgery—a condition called a “seroma.”
But there are other good reasons plastic surgeons use drains. One is to promote faster healing. Some procedures require separating large stretches of skin from underlying tissues-- an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) surgery is a good example. Proper healing requires the skin to adhere anew to muscles and other structures, and when fluid builds up between, this process takes longer.
In addition, excess fluid can be a breeding ground for bacteria, so the sooner it dissipates, the better. Fluid build-up can also cause more discomfort during healing.
Which Procedures Require Drains?
Generally speaking, the more invasive the procedure and the more separation of skin, fat, muscles and surrounding tissue occurs, the more likely your surgeon will want you to have one or more drains. Drains are rare in facelift surgery and other facial procedures, but almost always used for extensive surgeries like body lifts. Many plastic surgeons do not use them for breast augmentation, but most do for breast reduction and breast reconstruction.
There’s one thing plastic surgeons almost universally agree on—doctors determine their use of drains based on training and experience in helping patients heal. Some plastic surgeons rely more heavily on internal sutures to tighten the tissues and may use drains less often. Some feel that placing internal sutures is not worth the extra anesthesia time and like the more traditional approach with drains. Some doctors use both.
How Long Do the Drains Stay In?
Depending on your procedure and how quickly you heal, your drain(s) may stay in a few days or a few weeks. If you have a breast lift, an arm lift or another somewhat invasive procedure, you can expect your drains to stay in a few days. You’ll be asked to keep an eye on them and make sure the fluid escaping from your surgical sites does not seem excessive, otherwise you probably won’t need to be too concerned about them. While they are in place, they will be taped and/or bound to your body with a bandage. By the time you completely shake off the effects of anesthesia and want to start many of your activities again, the drains will most likely come out.
If you have a more extensive procedure, you may need to have drains in for two or even three weeks. If this is the case, your surgical team will tell you how to care for them. You may be asked to monitor and record fluid levels, for instance.
What Problems Can Happen?
Problems with drains following plastic surgery are relatively rare. Blockage, leaking around the drain and infection are among the complications that can occur.
It’s vital to follow your doctor’s instructions for keeping your wounds and drains clean. And commit to limiting your activity as prescribed. Excess fluid is one of the consequences of trying to do too much too soon.
If your plastic surgeon plans to use drains as part of your procedure, know that he or she has your best interests at heart. If you have done your research and found a professional with excellent credentials, and if you feel you can place your trust in him or her, then trust him or her with this aspect of your treatment as well.
References:
http://www.perspectivesinnursing.org/pdfs/Perspectives16.pdf
http://www.modernmedicine.com/modernmedicine/Nursing/Surgical-drains/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/419741
http://www.realself.com/question/tummy-tuck-drains-vs-internal-drains-vs-internal-sutures-tummy