What to do about oozing after Arm lift?

Two weeks ago, I had Tummy Tuck, Arm Lift, Back Rolls Lift, with over 72 inches of stitches. Everything looks great. Swelling was unnoticeable, no pain, no infection, no odor. I have oozing on my right arm. There are 12 inches of stitches in that area. About 1 1/2 section on each end, there is a steady ooze. I apply a sanitary napkin on my arm every 12 hours. What else can I do to stop it? It's been 2 weeks and I will get my last 3 drains out tomorrow.

4 answers to “What to do about oozing after Arm lift?”

A: Drainage after body and arm lifting

Richard P. Rand, MD

 First of all, you had more done in one day than I would have suggested but that being said, I think your course sounds normal because massive weight loss patients have copious lymphatic channels that weep when they are cut in surgery.  As long as the area is not red, swollen and hot, indicative of... more

A: Drainage after Body Lift

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD

Wide undermining of the skin flaps with an arm lift or any other type of body lift procedure may lead to recurrent seroma formation.  This will subside with time as long as the dead space is suctioned and the seroma does not get infectted.

A: Persistent drainage 2 weeks after arm lift

Nirav Savalia, MD

Hi, That is quite a bit of surgery you had, and I have no doubt, that you have quite a bit of swelling as well. This can be the source of the persistent drainage, however, you should be noting a steady, daily improvement in this. Regardless, you should be discussing this with your plastic surgeon, who can... more

A: Arm leakage after brachioplasty: discuss with your surgeon

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Have you and why wouldn't you discuss this with your surgeon. She/he would want to know!. They are best equipped to tell you what is really going on. In individuals with alot of upper extremity edema this can occur for up to 3 weeks and may be normal. However, if it is associated with... more

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