Postoperative Bleeding after Plastic Surgery

Bleeding After Plastic Surgery: Warning Signs, Drains, and When to Call 911

This episode of Body By Poly Podcast with Dr. Alain Polynice covers postoperative bleeding as a potential complication after plastic surgery, especially procedures like tummy tucks and mommy makeovers that create large raw surface areas. It explains how surgeons cauterize and secure vessels during surgery, yet bleeding can still recur if a clot dislodges in recovery or a day or two later. The script highlights key warning signs such as a sudden increase in drain output (especially if it triples overnight), bloody drainage, marked one-sided swelling, one breast becoming much larger than the other, tight skin, and significant pain or tension—possible indicators of active bleeding or a hematoma. Drains are presented as a useful monitoring tool to help determine when drainage has stopped and removal is appropriate. Viewers are advised to call their doctor immediately, and if unreachable, call 911 or go to the ER for prompt evaluation.

00:00 Bleeding After Surgery

00:51 Why Drains Matter

01:06 How Bleeding Restarts

01:30 Warning Signs to Watch

02:13 Monitoring and Follow Ups

02:39 Hematoma and Wound Issues

02:55 When to Call for Help

https://www.bodybypoly.com

https://www.youtube.com/@bodybypoly