I'm not draining. I had Lipo to stomach and back.

Question

my surgeon didn't use "drain bags". I'm having a hard time draining on my own. I have one incision that is open, but it won't drain like it should. My other incisions are healed. I had my surgery seven days ago. Liposuction my stomach and back. My three incisions are below my belly button. What can I do at home to force my body to drain?

N. Bill Aydin, MD · Answer

Drains are used for tummy tucks or for surgeries where a large area is being opened.  In liposuction many small tunnels are made to remove the fat and from the incisions you will drain or your body will absorb the fluid and it will work its way out when you urinate.  You should have been instructed to wear a compression garment which will help as well.

Larry Lickstein, MD · Answer

The use of drains after liposuction is uncommon.  Most of the time, the residual tumescent solution and associated swelling are slowly resorbed by the body over weeks to months.  Many surgeons also close their incisions to limit drainage, as the leakage experienced after surgery is a hygiene concern for some patients.  You probably have normal swelling, best managed by compression and patience, hard as that may be!  If you have concerns, make certain that you have close follow up with your operative surgeon.  Hope your recovery progresses quickly and easily!!

Helena Guarda, MD · Answer

Drains are not commonly used in liposuction. They are often used in tummy tuck surgery as a large space is created. In liposuction only small incisions are made and tunnels created to remove fat. These small spaces may have some fluid but with compression and massage your body absorbs this fluid.

I recommend continuing with compression and massage and following up with your surgeon. Seroma scan occur following liposuction but very uncommon. During your postop visit they can best evaluate and determine if there is anything out of norm.

Best of luck

George Commons, MD (retired) · Answer

Generally many surgeons  never employ open drainage after liposuction.   Patients tend to not get lakes of fluid but rather the fluid is in a sponge like arrangement.   Fluid is absorbed by the body and urinated away.   Do not worry.    My Best,  Dr Commons

I'm not draining. I had Lipo to stomach and back.

Answers (4)

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