I had normal stitches, which were removed one week after surgeory. I did have a drain, which was removed 2 days after - just before going home. I did notice blood taste in my mouth for a few days. I have an indentation of where the lump was, so I highly doubt my doctor has done the same procedure as yours because I have to continue wearing a pressure bandage for 4 weeks in hopes that saliva will not build up somewhere underneath the skin. I definately don't like the sounds of getting needle stuck in to drain. The pressure bandage is a netting stretching material that goes on my head, it's the mummy look. I too am still waiting for the results from pathology. My tumor was in the saliva gland. I hope you have a positive outcome, wish you well in your recovering. I too am Canadian.