Surgical drains are also usually placed duringbreast reconstruction surgery.
The Purpose of Drains
Surgical drains play an important role in healing after breast surgery.
The tubing is capped with a soft plastic bulb, which catches and holds the fluid.
Verywell / Gary Ferster
This part has a stopper and remains outside your body.
Surgeries That Typically Require Surgical Drains
Surgeries requiring drains are those in which fluid collects during healing.
Drains are usually required following a mastectomy or reconstructive breast surgery.
Your nurse will periodically drain your bulbs and show you how it’s done.
Emptying and Tracking Drainage
Always wash your hands before and after each measurement.
Note the color and consistency of the drainage.
It is very helpful to have someone assist you with draining your surgical bulbs, if possible.
Keep the insertion site clean and dry by washing with soap and water and gently patting dry.
Having a specialdrain management garmentcan be a lifesaver.
There are special cotton camisoles designed just for this purpose.
Some camisoles even have pockets in which you’ve got the option to insert soft cottonbreast forms.
Other options include large, roomy blouses, and oversized sweaters or sweatshirts that open in the front.
When you go to sleep, pay attention to the location of your drains.
Stretching and pulling are also difficult for some time after surgery, especially with drains in place.
After surgery, additional adjustments to your daily life will be needed.
Driving
Surgeons differ as to recommendations about driving with drains, and some recommend avoiding it altogether.
(You should also avoid driving if you are taking pain medications.)
Bathing
Your surgeon will let you knowhow long it’s crucial that you wait to batheafter surgery.
Healthcare providers also differ with regard to bathing instructions.
Some people find that treating themselves to a shampoo at a hair salon is a good option.
Soaking in a tub or entering a hot tub is not recommended while you have drains in place.
You may notice a pulling sensation, but this only lasts a few minutes.
Most people do not need any pain medications for this procedure.
Once your drain is out, ask your surgeon what kind of undergarments they recommend.
Your bras should be supportive, comfortable, and not too tight.
Underwire bras should be avoided.
You will have small scars where the tubing exited your skin, but these often fade over time.
You may have surgical drains in place for up to three weeks.
It is important to keep the area around the drain clean to avoid infection.
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