How long does a surgical drain stay in after lumpectomy and lymph node removal?

Drainage times after axillary lymph node removal typically vary from several days to about two weeks, depending on individual healing and output levels. Your medical team will monitor the drainage amount and remove it when output decreases to their specified guidelines, so be sure to keep track of daily measurements as instructed and don't hesitate to contact them with any concerns about the drain site or changes you notice.

Hope you are feeling better. I also had axillary nodes removed but didn’t have a drain so can’t answer that question. I’ve heard they are annoying. Wishing you a speedy recovery and positive outcome. Sending you lots of love. You are strong.

Thank you so much Denise! 💕

Depends on the person. After double mastectomy, I had 4 drains. Last one came out at about 4 weeks post op. Doctor will wsit until outputs less than 30 Cc per day I think.

After oncoplastic lumpectomy with contralateral reduction/lift, I had bilateral drains. My 'recovery corset' had pockets to hold them. They came out at my postop day 6 f/u appointment. I but dreaded them. In the end, they were merely mildly annoying. That said, I was not unhappy to see them go.