Complications to look out for following drain removal post Tummy Tuck?

The most common complication to follow early drainage tube removal is a seroma. Try to refrain from over exertion. Hematima can also occur.

The possible complications removing drains would be a collection of fluid under the skin or infection at the drain site.  The latter is quite rare.  If fluid does accumulate, it could be removed with a small needle and syringe in your doctor's office.  Sometimes, several of these 'aspirations' are required over several weeks.I tell my patients once the drains are removed to wear their compressive garment or girdle 24/7 and avoid as much as possible excessive twisting or bending at the waist.  I see my patients a week later.  If there is no fluid collection, then i allow them to start moving more and be more active.

Dear apricoticaThe most common issue arising after delayed drain removal is a seroma. This often appens if extensive liposuction was performed at the time of the tummy tuck. At this point, if you were my patient, I would recommend wearing a support compression garment, limiting salt intake and avoiding aspirin. The way a seroma will present is often as a bulge that is soft and mobile, sometimes you can see a wave of fluid as you push on it. Follow your surgeons instructions. Hopefully you are on your way to fast and uneventful recovery!!

So increased swelling that is above the incision with a fluid wave when lying down.  This can mean that there is undrained fluid.  Usually this is straight forward and requires aspiration in an area that is numb.  Infection can occur but is more rare and is usually at the 2 week period.

I can understand you and also understand the nurse. To go over all the possible complications at a time when you are experiencing one complication can be a very difficult situation. Please let the nurse help you resolve the complication that you are going through. Please do not worry yourself  with all the other unknowns.Deal with the present complication and hope that will be the end of any further complications and you will go on to good and complete healing.

Hi and thanks for your question, I´m sorry things haven´t been as expected. The meaning risks after drains removal is that your body still produces fluid and it doesn´t come out. Usually less than 25ml can be "absorbed" but if the amount is more than this, it could accumulate creating the mentioned sign of wave, if so, it has to be aspirated again , the biggest risk is the fluid gets infected. One thing I´ve seen a couple of times is the drain itself makes the body produce fluid as it is a foreign body. Keep in touch with your PS to avoid any complication.Best wishes.Dr. Milla

Normally drain removal is uneventful. Sometimes when there is still moderate drainage coming from the tube at the time of removal fluid can reaccumulate and require aspiration after the tube is removed. You would know if fluid reaccumulated by noticing a wave of fluid under the skin just above the incision. Sometimes necessary to aspirate this fluid several times over the course of a week or 2. Normally however it eventually stops.For a simple and illustrated explanation of tummy tuck and body contouring
procedures, watch my video.