Question:
anyone have drainage vacuum after tummy tuck

i am 3 weeks post op and still draining and DR wants to put me on a wound care vacuum. anyone have this or know about this that can give ma info. thanks, julie    — Julie A. (posted on August 29, 2003)

August 29, 2003
I wrote this long response earlier today and for some reason, it is not here now. My mom used a wound vacuum pump after she injured her leg in a fall. It just wouldn't heal and she is diabetic. They had worked with her for a couple of months with deep cleaning, antibiotics etc. Nothing was working. Finally, they decided the vacuum pump might help. What a huge difference. The incision started healing right away. It still took a few weeks but the infection cleared. The doctor/surgeon felt the vacuum pump is what made the difference. My SIL developed a bad incision infection after her RNY and they used one on her too for about 2 weeks I think. Both of them were mobile, the vacuum thing is on 24 hours a day but they give you a fanny pack with shoulder strap to carry around. Mom said it weighed about 5 lbs in the pack I believe. For both of them, the vacuum pack made a huge difference in their healing. Definitely go for it if the doctor wants to use it. Hope you heal quickly and feel better soon.
   — [Deactivated Member]

August 29, 2003
I worked for a surgeon and the sales rep brought us actual photos of patients using the wound vacuum and those pictures were AMAZING! It was like a sponge in the wound with gentle suction all the time - which kept any drainage off the actual wound. The only problem the rep was facing was that it was a fairly new item so insurance companies didn't have rules about whether to pay for it or not - but once she showed the insurance company medical directors the photos, she got them approved right away. I would DEFINITELY recommend this.
   — bethybb

August 30, 2003
I work for a surgeon and he has used the vacuum on several patients when even hyperbaric wound care didn't work. That thing is amazing! I've seen fast results with it and the patients have been so happy with the results on the most stubborn wounds. I think you should go for it. Good luck and I hope you're feeling much better.
   — RedHeadBeauty