Question:
How long does the drainage last?

I did not have any drainage til about 2 weeks after surgery and for the last week and a half it just runs out of me. How long does this last?    — Judy S. (posted on May 11, 2002)

May 11, 2002
That is when my drainage started as well. I had seromas and probably that is what you have too. Basically clear to yellowish fluid, some tinge of old blood from time to time. Just be sure to contact the md if it is foul smelling, or if the drainage looks like pus or infection, etc. By the end of a week or so, the drainage finally stopped for me. I hope that this helps. Regards,
   — Ann B.

May 11, 2002
I agree with Ann that you should call the MD, just to be sure. I also had similar drainage like Ann described and the explaination i was given was that this is fluid from our fatty layer that isn't able to be reabsorbed. My incision drained almost to 4 weeks postop !! Eventually skin covered over and it was like a blister for a few more weeks. Just watch for signs of infection, temp, reddness, tenderness, warmth around site, puss drainage verses the clear, and like Ann said, odor. God's Blessings
   — Brenda F.

May 11, 2002
My incision is real hard. I am about 2 weeks post=op. I worry if this is normal or could it be drainage backing up in the incision.
   — Gary H.

May 13, 2002
My drainage lasted two months. I was upset by it. It was off and on. It turned out I had a low grade infection.
   — Tari H.

May 14, 2002
I had drainage for about the first 6 weeks. Dr. said that it was normal as long as it was clear. I just kept a dressing on it and it finally healed up and stopped. Now 10 weeks out and doing great. Just hang in there.
   — Dell H.