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Drain Removed, Now Collecting Fluid. Normal?

asked 1 year ago by Blanksky in Riverside, CA
Latest answer by Tom J. Pousti, MD
Question viewed 667 times
Tags: drainage, fluid, normal

I Had my Drain Pulled out a Week After my Tummy Tuck, I Only Drained for 3-4 Days. It's now been 3 weeks since my tummy tuck, my doctor told me I was collecting fluid, but he has not taken out any fluid with a needle, is that normal? I still can't stand up straight yet either, I have tried but my stomach is still to tight and I'm still slouching.

8 answers to Drain Removed, Now Collecting Fluid. Normal?

Common Complication of Tummy Tuck

This is a common problem with tummy tucks. No problem. The doctor wil need to tap the fluid on a weekly bases until it dries up. No issue as long as it is handled correctly.

Miguel Delgado, Jr., MD
San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

www.dr-delgado.com

Seroma fluid accumulation and inability to stand straight at 3 weeks post tummy tuck

Fluid accululation after a tummy tuck is not uncommon. However, with the drain having been already removed, the most reasonable way to remove this fluid, at least initially, would be to aspirate it out - using a needle. Often this has to be repeated several times before the problem (seroma) permanently resolves. If left untreated, this can become a chronic problem and deformity ultimately even requiring surgery to address it definitively. Regarding being able to stand up straight by 3... more

Steven Turkeltaub, MD
Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon

www.turkeltaub.com

Fluid collection after tummy tuck

The fluid collection after your tummy tuck is called a seroma and whether to drain the fluid or wait out the resolution will depend on the size and how uncomfortable it is. We prefer to aspirate a collection as soon as we detect one as the tummy is numb, and patients feel better and do better after. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd

Peter E. Johnson, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Fluid collection after a tummy tuck

Based on the pictures you have shown us it seems like you have a very nice result from your tummy tuck. The fluid colection (seroma) does sometimes occur and takes a while to resolve. If the fluid collection is excessive, it can be drained with a needle (but requires several visits and several aspirations) or a new drain can be placed. If the collection is not large and is not bothering you, it can be allowed to resolve on its own. Sincerely, Martin Jugenburg, MD more

Martin Jugenburg, MD
Toronto Plastic Surgeon

www.torontosurgery.ca

Avoid Drains Altogether after a Tummy Tuck- How? Read on...

Sorry to hear about your problem. Most surgeons in North America use drainage tubes after a tummy tuck to remove fluid that tends to accumulate under the tummy skin flap. A good way of avoiding drains, and avoiding the hassle of "seromas" (the fluid even has its own name!) is to see a surgeon who is trained to close the wound on the inside. Yes, it takes time to do this, and it may cost you a bit more, but you won't have to put up with the swelling,... more

Claudio DeLorenzi, MD
Toronto Plastic Surgeon

Fluid collection following tummy tuck

Dear Blanksky, The main reason for the drain is to remove any blood from the wound. After a few days, it is serous fluid (a straw coloured fluid) that collects rather than blood and this can keep being produced for weeks and so keeping the drain in will not stop it. It is not uncommon to develop a collection of this fluid following tummy tuck and it does not necessarily need to be removed. However, if it is uncomfortable to have the fluid sloshing about, it is... more

Jonathan J Staiano, MBBS
Birmingham Plastic Surgeon

Fluid Collection after Tummy tuck?

Thank you for the question and pictures. Unfortunately, what you are experiencing is not unusual after tummy tuck surgery. The fluid accumulation is likely a seroma, which is a benign collection of fluid in the space that was dissected during the tummy tuck surgery. Multiple episodes of aspiration may be necessary before it resolves. It should not detract from your final results. Continue to follow-up with your plastic surgeon. Best wishes.

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

www.poustiplasticsurgery.com