Dr Kumar uses drains in body contouring surgery. They are thin tubes left under the skin at the end of the operation, connected to a small bottle, and they usually come out within the first week once the output has fallen.
Patients dread them more than almost any other part of the recovery, and then report they were not the difficult bit.
Why they are used
Lifting a large area of skin leaves a space underneath. The body fills that space with fluid. A drain removes it as it forms, which does three things: it reduces the chance of a seroma, it lets the skin sit down against the tissue beneath so it heals attached, and it gives an objective measure of what is happening under the skin.
Operations that lift a lot of skin — abdominoplasty, body lift, arm lift, thigh lift, back excision — are the ones that need them.
What to expect
| When | What happens |
|---|---|
| Day of surgery | You wake with them in. Fluid is blood-stained and brisk |
| Days 1–2 | Nurses record the volume each shift. Colour starts to lighten |
| Going home | You may go home with them in, with instructions on emptying and recording |
| Days 3–7 | Volume falls; colour turns pinkish then straw |
| Removal | Once output is consistently low. Quick, with a brief pulling sensation |
Looking after them at home
- Empty and record as instructed, usually once or twice a day, noting volume and colour.
- Secure the bottle so it does not hang and pull — a lanyard, a belt, or a pocket in the garment.
- Do not pull on the tubing. It is stitched at the skin.
- Keep the site dry and follow the showering instructions you are given.
- Bring your record to your first review — it determines when they come out.
Removal, and what follows
Removal takes seconds. Most patients describe an odd pulling sensation rather than pain. A small amount of fluid can leak from the site for a day or two afterwards, which is expected — a dressing handles it.
Occasionally fluid re-accumulates after removal. That is a seroma, it is common enough to be worth knowing about, and it is usually managed by drawing the fluid off with a needle in the rooms.
When to call
Ring Dr Kumar’s nurses on 1300 267 726 if a drain stops working suddenly while the area is swelling, if output becomes bright red and heavy again after settling, if it becomes cloudy or smells, if the site around it becomes red and hot, or if you develop a fever. They would rather see you early than late.
Common questions
Do they hurt? They ache where they sit rather than hurting sharply. Removal is brief.
Can I shower? As instructed — usually yes, with the bottles secured.
How many will I have? Depends on the operation and the area; commonly one or two per side.
Can I go back to work with them in? Most patients are not back at work while drains are in.
Can surgery be done without them? Some surgeons use quilting sutures instead in some operations. Dr Kumar uses drains in body contouring, and will explain what is planned for you.
Next step
Drains are covered in detail at your pre-operative appointment, and the nurses who prepare you are the same ones who see you at every review. Bring a GP referral — it is required to see Dr Kumar. Call 1300 267 726. More about recovery week by week and preparing for surgery.
The initial consultation with Dr Kumar is $400, with a Medicare rebate of approximately $88 where you have a GP referral. Surgical fees are quoted individually after your consultation, in a written itemised quote.
All surgery carries risks, and individual results will vary. Read more about the risks of surgery here. A GP referral is required to see Dr Kumar.
Dr Rohit Kumar (MED0001630444) Registered medical practitioner, specialist plastic surgeon (specialist registration in surgery – plastic surgery).
