How long do the drains stay in?

I'm looking to get TT, BL, and small TL.  How long should I plan on keeping the drains?  I've read some folks get em romoved aroun 5 days, but others over 20???  Thanks for the feedback.

It all depends on your Dr and their requirements and your bodies output. My Dr. required less than 30 cc in 24 hours to remove them. W/ my arms they came out on day 2 in the hopital. My thigh lift they came out at 1 week. My LBL the 2 in the groin came out at 10 days post-op (1st check up) the one on my left thigh came out on week 3 and unforturnately my body kept producing and the last drain in my right thigh didn't come out unti week 6 and thats because I fudged the numbers cuz I could stand it any more - probably would have been another week w/o doing that. Everyone is different

I think it really depends on your body and how much it's able to expel that fluid.  I went home with two drains and that was 2 weeks post op.  Other had them removed at a week or less.  Some have had them in for as long as 3 weeks or more.  It's hard to gauge how long you'll have yours.

Agree with the others - my doctor was looking for less than 20 - one reached this after about 5 days, but the other did not.  I had both removed, at the same time, after 9 days.  However, I have had fluid drawn off at both post op visits so far - didn't hurt, because I am still numb - but it's nice to have the drains out.

So I should expect anywhere from 1 week to up to 4 or 5 weeks? 

AvidReading - I love your Charlie Brown quote....

thanks folks! 

I know they want to get them out as soon as possible, but not too early. 

Also, sometimes when they remove 1 and leave one in, the one left in drains on and on to compensate for the one removed.  I wanted to have mine out together and not take the chance on having to leave one in for a long time.

I love Charlie Brown and Snoopy!!!

Oh that is great to know!  I'm planning to stay in MX three weeks so that hopefull I wont have to come home with drains or stitches...  So I will not to rush Dr S in removing the drains too soon. 

Yeah, Charlie and Snoopy are the bomb!  ;)

 Yes depends on your body I got mine out in 4 days however long it is , is too long I hated them but they are definately necessary so leave them as long as they say and wear those garmets 

I just had all 4 of mine removed today 10 days post op!  i feel FREE!