DRAIN & WOUND CARE

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Your drain has been placed by your Doctor so that all the blood and wound fluid from the surgical site is removed while you are healing. There is a stitch holding the drain in place that will be removed in the office on a follow-up appointment.

If wound fluid was to remain in the wound, it could get infected or form a hardened scar around a breast implant or a lump beneath the skin. It could also form a seroma, or fluid collection, which may go on for a long time, requiring multiple office visits and even possibly more surgery.

THUS, IT IS VERY MPORTANT TO BE ATTENTIVE TO YOUR DRAIN CARE.

1. Do not get up and go anywhere without the drain being attached by a safety pin to your clothes. This will avoid the risk of pulling it out.
   
   
2. If it is leaking around the drain site, milk the drain first.
   
   
3. If it is draining over 100 cc a day of thick red blood, call your Doctor.
   
   
4. Milk the drain once or twice a day before emptying the bulb and recording the output on your drain log.
   
   
5. The drain is ready to be removed when it is draining LESS THAN 30 CC IN 24 HOURS.
   
   
6. If you have had breast implants placed during surgery, you are to remain on antibiotics and not shower as long as the drain is in. If you run out of antibiotics, call the Doctor on call for a refill of your medication. If you have had a flap without implants or a tummy tuck, you can stop your antibiotics when they are gone.
   
   
7. You can reach the Doctor on call any time at 415-923-3067.
   
   

If you have had breast implants – Once the drain is removed, you are to be as still as possible for a few days, particularly if you were draining a lot before the drain was removed. You should not begin massaging vigorously until the Doctor says it is okay (Usually a week after drain removal). For massage instructions, refer to our Massage Instruction page. Do not shower until the drains are removed after breast implants.

If you have had a flap or tummy tuck – You are allowed to shower with the drains still in place. You can also stop antibiotics when they run out. Please check with your Doctor or our Nurse with any questions.

You may notice an accumulation of fluid under your skin, it usually feels heavy and moves like a waterbed. This is called a “fluid wave.” You should consult the Doctor on call in regards to this issue. If it is during business hours, please call to make an appointment and let the front desk know why you are calling. In the meantime, wear your abdominal binder or an ace wrap around the breasts and try to be as still as possible.

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