Having a drain removed usually does not hurt, but it can feel rather odd as the tubing slides out of the body. The incision is then covered with a dressing or left open to the air.

What happens after drains are removed?

Generally, yes. Occasionally after the drain comes out, the body doesn't have the capacity to resorb the fluid the wound is still creating and a seroma will form. This is usually a minor complication, and the fluid is easily removed with needle and syringe in the office. Rarely does a new drain need to be placed.

How are surgical drain tubes removed?

Using standard aseptic technique, clean around the site and remove any sutures. Pinching the edges of the skin together, rotate tubing from side to side gently to loosen, then remove the drain using a smooth, but fast, continuous traction.