Tummy tuck drain question, my drains are not draining what happens if fluid goes inside my body?

Question

I have had my drains for 6 days, but the last past 2 days they haven't been draining I can feel the fluids in my body and is discomforting is full of fluids inside so what happens if drains are taken out and I have lots of fluids inside?

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. With post-surgical drains, it is typical for them to decrease output over time. If you feel like there is fluid present but the drains are not draining the fluid, then you might have a blockage of the drains and you need your surgeon to evaluate this. It is also possible that you have fluid in the tissues (edema) rather than fluid in the surgical space, and this fluid would not be draining through the drains but will improve with time. Best to consult with your plastic surgeon and be seen for an exam and evaluation.Best of luck!

Mokhtar Asaadi, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. This is a frequent question that is asked; however, what most people do not know is that the fluid doesn't go inside your body. If your drains are not draining, it might be because there is no fluid left to be drained. So you do not need to worry about this, I hope this helps!

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

you must see your surgeon who can 'strip' your drains to see if it will help with restoring function.  Your surgeon will also check your tummy to confirm if there really is fluid retained or not as you could possibly be at the end of draining where your drains are removed.

Jeremy S. Hurren, BSc, MBBS, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

It is quite common to develop fluid under the skin following a tummy tuck. This is called a seroma. While there are drains in place then the fluid drains away unless the drains become blocked. Once the drains are no longer draining they should usually be removed. 
Once the drains come out further seroma fluid may build up under the skin. This is just tissue fluid and is not harmful in itself unless it becomes infected or excessively large.
Frequently seromas will just absorb back into the body. However, If they are large or uncomfortable then it is relatively simple for your surgeon to drain the fluid off with a needle and syringe. Often the skin is numb so you will not even feel it otherwise a little local anaesthetic (injection to make skin numb) can be used.
You are best advised to consult your surgeon or the hospital where you had the surgery. Failing that you could seek the advice of a suitably trained and experienced plastic surgeon.

Amit Gupta, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

HelloPlease do not worry about the drains. Normally the drains keep sucking fluid for 4-5 days and then stop, since the free water in the area gets less. Sometimes the drain gets blocked, for which the doctor will try to remove the blood clot and check if any more fluid can come in the drain. Swelling is common after the TT, and in fact lasts nearly 3 months or so. It is very significant in the first 3 weeks, so you will feel the water inside and will feel heavy. These are normal changesPlease set up a meeting with you doctor to remove the drains RegardsDr Amit Gupta

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