If they have to replace a drain, is it done with local anesthesia or general anesthesia?

Question

I had a tummy tuck 13 days ago. I had my drains removed 9 days ago. My stomach is starting to swell with what I assume is fluid. My pants are now tighter. If they have to replace a drain, is it done with local anesthesia or general anesthesia?

Michelle J. Place, MD · Answer

Swelling in the lower abdomen after tummy tuck may be a fluid collection or it could just be swelling in the tissues.  Fluid collections or seromas can occur after tummy tucks but you do not always need to replace the drain.  In most cases draining the serous fluid with a needle and wearing a compression garment can work.  In some cases serial aspirations may be needed but it is not as common to need to replace the drain.  If the drain does have to be replaced a seroma catheter can be done comfortably under local anesthesia as you still have numbness from your surgery.Follow up with your plastic surgery so that he or she can determine the best course of action.

Brent Birely, MD · Answer

If a patient develops a collection of fluid following removal of the drains, it is most commonly treated with needle aspiration. Sometimes the fluid will resolve on its own, if it is a small collection. If a drain needs to be replaced, it can be done under local anesthesia or general anesthesia, depending upon the circumstances of the fluid collection.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Many times the drain can be replaced under local anesthesia, but some might need general.  To avoid replacing a drain, your surgeon can just draw off the excess fluid once or twice a week until it stops.

Anh Lee, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi you need to let your surgeon examine you to see if you have a collection of fluid which is called a seroma.  Depending on the size, your surgeon can observe or aspirate it with a needle in the office. Drains can be placed under both local or general anesthesia.  Please make a follow up appointment with your plastic surgeon and continue wearing your compression garment

If they have to replace a drain, is it done with local anesthesia or general anesthesia?

Answers (4)

Answer: Swelling after tummy tuck

Answer: Swelling after tummy tuck

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

If they have to replace a drain, is it done with local anesthesia or general anesthesia?

Answers (4)

Answer: Swelling after tummy tuck

Answer: Swelling after tummy tuck

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.