2 weeks post TT Dark brown blood drainage from incision, should I be worried? (photo)

Dear Texan,   Front picture of your abdomen would have been helpful. If you do not have chills or fever, than most likely you have fluid collection (seroma or old hematoma)  that found it's way to the surface.   You need to contact your surgeon as soon as possible, to enlarge the wound opening, so the fluid will be easily drained and you will not develop an abscess. Your surgeon might send a specimen of fluid to the lab for culture and sensitivity and prescribe you  prophylactic  antibiotics. You will also be instructed how to take care of the wound.                Best of luck,                                 Dr Widder

Thanks for your question and I understand your concern. Any changes during recovery can be unsettling to say the least. The good news in this case is that the color indicates it is old blood, which is less of a concern. However, there could be additional fluid that needs to be drained to avoid additional complications. I recommend you contact your surgeon for an in-person examination so that treatment can be done if it is needed. If you experience other symptoms like redness, swelling, a foul odor or pain, contact your surgeon right away as these could be signs of an infection. I wish you all the best in your recovery from your tummy tuck!

Thank you for the question. It is difficult to answer your question without examining you. It can be old blood as a result of hematoma. It is best to have an exam by your board certified plastic surgeon as soon as possible. Good luck.

Hello,It sounds like you most likely have some older blood that is draining out but emailing your surgeon is the right thing to do. He/she will be able to guide you in getting this resolved. All the best in your recovery,Dr. BlaggAustin, TX

Dear  TTcomingsoon,I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment. Only after thorough examination you can get proper recommendations and advice.Daniel Barrett, MD

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

You did the correct thing by contacting your surgeon. Since the bleeding is new and increasing in amount it should be evaluated by your surgeon. Until you hear back keep the area clean and dry. Use bandages to collect the discharge.

Thank you for your question. It looks like a old blood. It is important to communicate with your PS and ask for evaluation. If it is small amount it will stop. If it is a large collection may need drainage.

Congratulations on your TT, TTcomingsoon!  I suspect you have a pocket of old blood/hematoma and some serous fluid (the same fluid that came out your drain after surgery) that did not get evacuated through the drain.  You did the right thing by contacting your surgeon -- he/she will be able to best determine whether the fluid can be managed conservatively or whether you would need drainage.  Best of luck!  Dr. Ghafoori

You might have a fluid collection composed of old blood/tissue fluid under the skin flap that never resolved and found a way to decompress and come out of the wound. The fact that is is dark likely indicates no active bleeding but  you should continue to cover there open area to catch the drainage with gauze and follow up with your surgeon.  

The most likely  answer for this fluid is that this is old blood coming through the incisional scar from your recent TT surgery.  If there is only a small amount of this the drainage may end very shortly, but there may be much more fluid that still remains.  Always have your Plastic Surgeon see you very soon to examine you thoroughly and he or she must then make appropriate recommendations.Good luck to you!Frank Rieger M.D.  Tampa Plastic Surgeon