DRAIN & WOUND CARE

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Your drain has been placed by your doctor so that all the blood and fluid from the surgery is removed. If the fluid was to remain in the wound, it could get infected or form a hardened scar around the 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 pin to your clothes or you can pull 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 blood, call the doctor.
4. Milk the drain once or twice a day.
5. The drain is ready to be removed when it is draining LESS THAN 30 CC IN 24 HOURS.
6. You are to remain on antibiotics and not shower as long as the drain is in. If you run out, call the doctor on call.
7. You can reach the doctor on call at 415.923.3067.

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.

If you 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 a binder or an ace wrap and try to be as still as possible.

Milking the drain:

1. Hold drain with hand #1 at the exit from the dressing to keep the drain from pulling out. Slide hand #2 down the tube, holding an alcohol wipe for lubrication, compressing the tube as you go.
2. Release hand #1 and re-grab the tube when hand #2 is still compressing the tube.
3. Continue down the tube into the reservoir.
4. If there is a clot at the beginning, go over that part of the tube a few times.

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