After surgery, fluid may collect inside your body in the surgical area and can make an infection or other problems more likely to occur. Surgical drains are tubes placed near the surgical incisions to remove blood, other fluid, or pus, preventing it from accumulating in the body. The type of drainage system inserted is based on your needs, the type of surgery and wound, how much drainage is expected, and often the preference of each surgeon. Your surgeon will typically make the decision to use, or not use, drains during your actual surgery.
Post-operative drains
Typically the doctor will place a thin rubber tube into the area of your body where the fluid is likely to collect so the drain tube will carry the fluid outside your body into a drain bulb. This is the most common type called a Jackson-Pratt drain. The drain uses suction created by the bulb to pull the fluid from your body directly into the bulb.
The drain tube is typically held in place by one or two stitches in your skin. You can then attach the bulb with a clip onto your clothing or near the bandage/compression bra to preventing from moving around too much.
When you first get the drain, the fluid will be bloody. It will change colour from red to pink to a light yellow or clear as the wound begins to heal and the fluid starts to lessen. Ask your doctor to give you specific information on when you no longer need the drain and when it will be removed.
In general, the drains will remain in place until you are collecting less than approximately 25mls (2 tablespoons) of fluid in 24 hours.
If you have post-operative drains:
DO NOT shower until your drains have been removed.
Strictly follow the care instructions provided by your medical professional.
Be sure to use the chart and record how much fluid you have emptied out of your drain. If your surgeon did not provide you with a chart, feel free to use our chart below. Note: surgeons will often suggest emptying the drain at a specified time frame and/or when it becomes half full.
Remember to bring your chart with you to your follow up appointment.
Be sure to ask your medical surgeon for instructions on what to do should you experience clots forming in the tube (dark and stringy), fluid forming around the drain site, or you think the drain has no suction.
If you have any concerns with your drains, it becomes dislodged, or you are experiencing problems such as fever, pus, increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness around the area or more, call your medical professional immediately.
General post-operative drain instructions for breast augmentation surgery:
Wash your hands with soap and water.
To empty the drain, turn the plug at the top of the drain and pull gently to open. Once the drain is open, the air will fill the drain (sides should not be squeezed in) so you will be able to record the right amount of fluid.
Hold the drain in a level position and record the of amount of fluid on the chart by following the numbers on the side of the drain.
Pour out the contents into a toilet.
With one hand, squeeze the bulb on both sides until your fingers meet in the middle of the bulb and at the same time put the plug back in with your free hand. Note: verify with your surgeon how much pressure needs to be applied to the bulb. For full drainage the bulb needs to be squeezed on both sides. Sometimes when the fluid is lessening, you do not want a full drainage rate as it may be too much, so squeezing the bulb halfway is preferred.
Repeat the above for the opposite drain. Flush toilet.
Wash your hands again with soap and water.
You will need to keep in touch daily with your medical professional/staff so they can monitor and assess your fluid levels prior to removal.
All posts are intended strictly for educational purposes. It is not intended to make any representations or warranties about the outcome of any procedure. It is not a substitute for a thorough in-person consultation with a medical professional. If you have questions about your personal medical situation, please call your healthcare provider.
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