What can I do about the fluid after Tummy Tuck?

My stomach is still swollen, hard, and sore 2 months after Tummy Tuck surgery. The fluid has been removed 3 times. The doctor released me and said it would just take time for fluid to dissipate.

I am concerned about the infection and wondering if the swelling will ever go down. It is also lopsided. What can I do to get the water out and the knots along the scar? Please help.
 

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2 answers to “What can I do about the fluid after...”

A: What can I do about the fluid after Tummy Tuck?

Peter A. Aldea, MD

Dear Tacobell, As we all know, our bodies react to injury by swelling. Surgery is a sterile, organized short term injury to the body in exchange for improvements later on. After an injury, our vessels become leaky and fluid seeps out. Normally, as the original inflammation subsides, the vessels become normal,... more

A: You may benefit from a drain placement.

David Rankin, MD

For recurrent sermomas (fluid collections) it may be necessary to have a small drain placed rather than have repeated aspirations performed. This can be done under ultrasound guidance if necessary or if clinically apparent, in the office under local. I also recommend wearing a compression garment until the... more

Comments

dianne
154 posts
28 May 2009

Hi Tacobell15,

You may also be interested in reading a related question, Fluid build-up after Tummy Tuck?

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Tummy tuck before & after photos

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