Plastic surgery RN, Adrienne Yanich, explains the purpose of a surgical drain, reviews what you can expect, and instructs on how to care for your surgical drain. The above video showcases an abdominal surgical drain which are commonly used after tummy tucks. The information in this video also applies to surgical drains used for other areas of the body.
WHAT A SURGICAL DRAIN DOES AND DRAIN CARE INSTRUCTIONS:
Drains are inserted at your surgical incision site to stop fluid from building up. Fluid buildup can prevent proper healing of the surgical site.
The amount of fluid that connects in the bulb will decrease over time. Fluid may also change color and consistency throughout your healing.
Stacie Isler, Plastic Surgery P.A., demonstrates how to strip your surgical tube and how to empty the bulb of your surgical drain in this video.
Ensure that each time you empty your drain, you record fluid output in your drainage record chart. Once your drain fluid levels are below 25 CCs for 2 consecutive 24-hour periods, your patient care team will remove your surgical drain in the office.
Remember that if you have any questions or issues with your drain or if you are experiencing increased pain and/or redness, reach out to our office.
Registered Nurse, Adrienne Yanich, explains the proper way to put on a surgical bra, when to wear it, and why wearing a surgical bra after a breast surgery is essential to seeing fantastic results.
How to correctly wear your surgical bra after your breast surgery
Surgical bras should have no seam and fasten in the front with a zipper or clasps.
Your surgical bra should be snug but not too tight. You should be able to insert two fingers underneath.
In this instructional video, plastic surgery RN, Paige, demonstrates how to assist a breast surgery patient with putting on a surgical bra in a safe way.
Consistent compression is essential. You should wear your compression bra for 6 weeks after surgery. To see best results, you should only remove your surgical bra to be washed.
This video explains the correct way to wear a facial compression garment, when to wear it, and helpful tips for healing after a facial surgery.
Everything you need to know about facial compression garments.
Facial compression garments are essential for seeing best results after your facial surgery. Your compression garment should:
Not have a seam
Cover all incisions and the entirety of the surgical site
Likely secure with velcro
Remain smooth (fabric should not fold)
Be worn continuously for 6 weeks after your surgery. Continuous wear will prevent fluid buildup in the surgical area that could diminish proper healing.
Helpful tip: You can wear a thin cotton headband to protect your ears against irritation.
Plastic surgery RN, Paige, demonstrates the correct way to apply a facial compression garment in this instructional video.
