Does it hurt to get the tumescent fluid drained by needle, because it is trapped after a week?

Question

i am so upset that i have to travel another 6 hours away to get tumescent fluid removed from a lower corner section of my abdomen with a needle at that. i was told that i may need to do this more than once in case the fluid comes back. this is so frustrating, i cried all afternoon. being as though i "have" to take care of this can someone prepare me for the pain and what to expect?

John A. Millard, MD, FACS · Answer

Good question!  Typically after one week, it is not the tumescent fluid, but the build up of your own body fluid, because of the inflammatory effects of liposuction on your tissues.  This is not uncommon after any type of liposuction, tumescent liposuction included!  It is important to get it drained, because it can result in a deformity in your results if drainage is not done.  Most doctors will use a little numbing medication to either drain the fluid with a needle and syringe or some doctors will place a small drain and leave it in for around a week.  I do this in about 10% of my patients after liposuction and it really is not uncommon!

David Finkle, MD · Answer

Seromas are a collection of fluid, usually plasma, lymph and liquefied fat cells that can accumulate after any procedure.  They need to be drained, to allow the skin to "stick" back down.  This is a simple office visit where a small needle is placed through a numb skin area to aspirate the fluid.  A compression dressing/garment is then placed to help prevent a repeat seroma.  Most seromas will drain for weeks, be patient and allow your surgeon to drain these as often as needed.  Any person can drain a seroma, even a nurse.Good Luck!

Does it hurt to get the tumescent fluid drained by needle, because it is trapped after a week?

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Does it hurt to get the tumescent fluid drained by needle, because it is trapped after a week?

Answers (2)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tumescent Liposuction

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