What are drains? Why are they used?

A suction drain is a thin, soft, silicone tube that is inserted into an area of the body where surgery has been performed - examples are following a breast augmentation, tummy tuck or breast reconstruction procedure.  

The drain tubing exits through the skin and its purpose is to remove wound fluid during healing.  It is attached to a small suction bulb, often in the shape of a grenade (known as a JP, or Jackson-Pratt bulb), that when compressed, applies very gentle suction to the drain tube, and slowly removes fluid from the area of surgery.  

Initially, the drain wound fluid appears thick and red, as there is minor bleeding with any surgical procedure.  With time (over days to a week), there are less red blood cells in the wound fluid and the fluid becomes more clear and less red.  The color changes from dark to light red, pink, orange and finally clear light yellow (known as serous fluid).  It is at this point that the drains are ready to be removed.  

You will be asked to record the fluid your body is producing on a drain log (see the link for a downloadable form).

Just as when you scrape your knee and it initially bleeds and then weeps fluid for a time, wounds inside the body also make wound fluid.  This is a normal part of healing.  However, wounds outside the body that are exposed to air eventually dry out and form a scab.  

Wounds that are inside the body, such as around a breast implant, or in the area of a tummy tuck, continue to create wound fluid until the body is healed.  Bacteria love to grow in wound fluid - this is why Plastic Surgeons usually use drains to remove this fluid as it forms - to decrease the risk of infection and capsular contracture (contraction of scar tissue around a breast implant). 

Drains are not painful, and do not hurt when they are removed in the office, usually 3-10 days after surgery.  They are held in place by a small drain stitch (suture) that is cut, and the drain is easily pulled out.  

After breast implant or reconstructive surgery, I usually recommend that my patients avoid showering while their drains are in place, also to decrease the risk of infection of their breast implants.  You may sponge-bathe, shower only the lower half of their body, and either wash their hair in the sink or go to the salon for a wash and blow-dry (and splurge on a mani-pedi while they're there!).

Remember, "drains are your friends!".  They are there to help you heal without complications and will be removed when they are ready. 

More about → What are drains? Why are they used?

New post-surgical clothing line from my breast cancer reconstruction patient!

I am so proud of my patient Kathy Adams who has founded this fabulous clothing company designed for women facing breast cancer! Please read on and check out the links.

THE PROBLEM: “After my breast cancer surgery they sent me home with all these drains and tubes, I didn’t know how to manage them”


“There are no other products on the market that provide this solution. When I had my surgery two years ago the solution was to pin the drain to your blouse or put it in your waistband. Neither being comfortable or secure options. “
Founder, Kathy Adams













316 Mid Valley Center, Ste 188
Carmel, CA 93923
Phone: (831) 440 - 8834

These garments are designed to be dressed up by adding a favorite scarf or accessory....or used as everyday wear.

After one is finished with the drains, simply take out the drain pocket and continue wearing these attractive pieces for your yoga classes or just lounging around. They were designed and manufactured with comfort in mind.

Drain Holder	Drain Pocket (detached)	Drain inside of pocket	Drain outside of pocket

• Discreet snap channels manage the tubes to the drain pocket
• Styling is fashionable and comfortable
• Drain pocket is secure and completely removable after treatment is complete
• Made from wicking material for sensitive skin
• Designed by a breast cancer survivor JUST LIKE YOU
• Cut for easy access to the medical port if needed during treatment and drawing the eye away from the chest area for aesthetic reasons
• A choice for someone not wanting to wear prosthesis full time
• Sleeves cut to address the issues of lymph edema
• Matching Cool Chemo Cap™ and Cool Chemo Pant™
• The versatile styling allows one to dress them up with a few key accessories, or use them as comfort clothes, and still maintain fashion and function.

Offering Cool Chemo clothing as a solution to the patient will minimize the search for resources to assist them in the ongoing management and healing process of surgery.

Suggested insurance code L8015

The Cool Chemo Top™ has an attractive front closure that you can easily put on and remove. The draping of the top draws the eye to the peplum waist and away from the chest. This styling makes it less obvious if you choose not to wear a prosthesis.

The drain holders, concealed on each side of the top, are adjustable in placement and can be completely removed for use after your surgery. The wicking fabric not only helps regulate your body temperature it is also soft on sensitive skin after surgery.

Note: Insurance companies will cover two therapeutic garments per year.

BE SURE TO CHECK WITH YOUR COMPANY for authorization. Made in the USA.

More about → New post-surgical clothing line from my breast cancer reconstruction patient!