It is necessary to mark drains in order to identify their location. They should be sutured with loops as well so it will be possible to advance them without re-anaesthetizing the patient while drains are re-sutured to the skin. An absorbent dressing is then applied. A bandnet dressing retainer can be constructed so as to prevent the use of tape. Other things to consider
Nutritional support
Adequate nutrition and hydration support is essential in any patient following surgery, particularly young children. In this case, pain and swelling in the neck region would usually cause difficulties in eating or swallowing, hence reducing patients food and fluid intake. Patients must therefore be well-nourished and hydrated to promote wound healing and to fight off infection. Post-operative care
Extubation, which is the removal of endotracheal tube to liberate the patient from mechanical ventilation, should only be done when the patients airway is proved to be patent, allowing adequate breathing. This is indicated by a decrease in swelling and patients capability of breathing adequately around an uncuffed endotracheal tube with the lumen blocked.During the hospital stay, patients condition will be closely monitored by:

carrying out cultures and sensitivity tests to decide if any changes need to be made to patients antibiotic course
observing for signs of further infection or sepsis including fevers, hypotension, and tachycardia
monitoring patients white blood cell count - a decrease implies effective and sufficient drainage
repeating CT scans to prove patients restored health status or if infection extends, the anatomical areas that are affected.
Infection is usually primarily within the submandibular space, and the sublingual and submental spaces can also be involved. It presents with an acute onset and spreads very rapidly, therefor early diagnosis and immediate treatment planning is vital and lifesaving. The external signs may include bilateral lower facial swelling around the jaw and upper neck. Signs inside the mouth may include elevation of the floor of mouth due to sublingual space involvement and posterior displacement of the tongue, creating the potential for a compromised airway. Additional symptoms may include painful neck swelling, drooling, tooth pain, dysphagia, shortness of breath, fever, and general malaise. Stridor, trismus, and cyanosis may also be seen when an impending airway crisis is nearing. Causes
The most prevalent cause of Ludwigs angina is dental related, accounting for approximately 75% to 90% of cases. Infections of the lower second and third molars are usually implicated due to their roots extending below the mylohyoid muscle. Periapical abscesses of these teeth also result in lingual cortical penetration, leading to submandibular infection.Other causes such as oral ulcerations, infections secondary to oral malignancy, mandible fractures, sialolithiasis-related submandibular gland infections, and penetrating injuries of the mouth floor have also been documented as potential causes of Ludwigs angina. Patients with systemic illness, such as diabetes mellitus, malnutrition, compromised immune system, and organ transplantation are also commonly predisposed to Ludwigs angina.