Hi Catherine,
I might be totally misunderstanding your question but I had a sentinel lymph node excised when I had a lumpectomy and had no drainage tube or any healing issues. The residual scar, a year later, is nearly invisible and looks like a fading kitty scratch.

If you are only having one or a few nodes removed, it might be a relatively easy procedure? If you're having all the nodes removed in that area, ask the surgeon or oncologist for as much support as is available, including post-surgery physical therapy. That can make a big difference and potentially the chances of edema and discomfort while you recover. Sending best wishes to you and, really, all of us in the frontlines.