What Does Dark Colored Discharge After Full Abdominoplasty Indicate?

Posted on Thu, 23 Jun 2016

Question: Hi, I had a breast reduction and full abdominoplasty done 7 days ago. They removed the drains for my breasts last Monday and I was suppose to have the drains for my abdomen out today but my right drain was still giving off 40 ml of orangeish blood twice a day so they chose to keep that one in until next Monday. In the last 4 hours that I've been home I decided to plant some pots in the garden. I did some bending, long story short my husband pointed out that I should take it easy as the colour in the drain was getting darker. My husband has now gone to work, and I'm sitting with a full 50 ml of very dark purplish blood in the drain. Is this OK or should I seek help?

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It is Okay. No need to seek further help at this time!

Detailed Answer:
HI and thank you so much for this query.

I am so sorry to hear about this drain and the inconveniences it must have caused you. I have reviewed the information fully. The drain is probably dark because exercise has pushed all clotted blood into the collection pouch and this is normally dark as opposed to clear serous fluids that have been collecting before. I will suggest that you stay calm and observe only as this is not unexplained by the details provided.

I hope this helps. I wish you well. Feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.

Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar