Bonnie J. Baldwin, M.D.

Aesthetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery

Office (713) 791-1975

Fax (713) 796-2583

Wound Care for Your Drain

You will need to care for the skin at your drain site

daily. Do not

take a shower until the

drains are removed. You will cover the drain site with antibiotic ointment once a day until the

drain is removed.

It is important this area remains clean and that you look for any signs of infection.

This can be

done at the time you clean the drain site and care for the suture line. The following

information will help you care for your drains and drain sites at home.

Supplies You Will Need

May be obtained at any drug store



Tape (paper or dressing tape)



Antibacterial ointment



Cotton swabs



Gauze pads, 2 inch by 2 inch



Hydrogen peroxide

Procedure

1.

Gather all your supplies in a clean, dry area.

2.

Remove and throw away your soiled dressing.

3.

Wash your hands with soap and water.

4.

Use a cotton swab or Q-tip, dipped in hydrogen peroxide to clean around the drain

site. Start where the drain tube enters the skin.

Clean in a circular motion moving

outward, away from the drain site.

Use a new swab with each cleaning.

Do not

use

the same cotton swab twice.

5.

When cleaning, lift the drain tubing as needed to clean under it.

Make sure that all

drainage, dried blood, or crust is removed with each cleaning.

6.

The drain is secured to the skin with a stitch.

Make sure the stitch remains attached to

the skin.

If the stitch becomes loose, the tube may come out. Notify our office if the

stitch is not in place.

7.

Apply antibacterial ointment generously around entry site of skin.