Still have one drain 6 weeks post full tummy tuck and lipo. Is producing fluid this long a complication?

Question

I'm still producing approximately 50cc of fluid 6 weeks post op. I'm wearing my compression garment during the day and it's so uncomfortable but I'll continue until my ps tells me otherwise. My drain tube is not infected but does spot periodically. I think it's when I bump it accidentally. Is producing fluid this long a complication? I also had a breast lift and hernia repair and ended up with PE's and back in hospital for a few days. What a whip! I'm 65 and in good health.

Roxanne Sylora, MD · Answer

Since we are not your treating physician, it's difficult to answer your question as well as your own surgeon.  Six weeks is somewhat long to still be dealing with that high of an output.  In my experience, if one of my patients has prolonged need for a drain (greater than 3 weeks), I will either switch their antibiotics, or culture their fluid to see if there is a bacteria growing.  Having a drain in for several weeks make this more likely.  If i switch their antibiotics and it is still draining that fluid, I often remove the drain.  Many times, this does the trick, and they have no long term sequelae after that.Since you have had some other complications during this procedure, this may be slowing down your progress.  Good luck to you...

Robert D. Wilcox, MD · Answer

Dear Yalemom,

Six weeks is a long time to still be draining but the criteria in our office to remove the drain is to have 30 cc of output in a 24-hour period or less for three consecutive days. It is important that you continue wearing your compression garment and keep your activity level low so it does not produce so much. I also sometimes use tetracycline instilled through the drain for an hour then resume suction to see if that will cause it to collapse down. If it does not slow down, your cavity may have already formed a slick rind which then will require surgery to strip out that tissue and get fresh surfaces again. 
I hope this has been helpful.
Robert D. Wilcox, MD

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

Your plastic surgeon is in the best position to understand why you need the drain for an extended period of time.

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for your question and sorry to hear of your complications.  A seroma can last for several weeks  so be patient it should stop over time.  I frequently speed the process of getting the drain out by irrigating through the tubing with betadine and antibiotic saline.  It sterilizes the area and also causes a slight irritation to get the cavity to close down.Dr. Corbin

Still have one drain 6 weeks post full tummy tuck and lipo. Is producing fluid this long a complication?

Answers (4)

Answer: Seroma

Answer: Seroma

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Still have one drain 6 weeks post full tummy tuck and lipo. Is producing fluid this long a complication?

Answers (4)

Answer: Seroma

Answer: Seroma

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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.