Dr wants me to stick q-tip in incision that has closed to drain fluid from pocket in stomach. Is this safe and normal?

Question

I had tummy tuck 3 months ago tubes removed a month after but still have fluid in pocket in stomach the incision has pretty much closed but doc wants me to poke a qtip to open and push to pocket to drain normal?

Alex Campbell, MD · Answer

You should visit your surgeon in person to see you and implement any treatment.  Best to work as a team on any issues happening post op.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I would recommend you make an appointment to see your surgeon for treatment.  I think it is always wise to be conservative and approach any procedure as a surgery, and though drainage of seromas does occur, best to have it performed under sterile conditions. Additionally, this should lead to less discomfort than having to forcibly open a wound that has started to heal. Hope that this helps.

Anthony Deboni, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Unfortunately, fluid collections (seromas) after abdominoplasty are a known occurrence.  Many times they can be aspirated with a syringe in the early stages, but this should be done sterilely to avoid potential infection. If the wound is closed, I would not recommend you opening the area with a q-tip.  At three months post op, you likely have an established cavity or "pseudo bursa, which will likely persist even if the fluid is aspirated.  Although these are many times not bothersome, the best solution at this point will likely be surgery to excise the cavity and close the area down. Best Regards.

Julian Gordon, MD · Answer

It sounds like you have a seroma. These can often be aspirated by your surgeon a few times and they will resolve. It should be done under sterile conditions. If the aspirations fail, a drain may need to be placed and if that fails, surgery may be needed to excise the seroma and suture down the tissues.i would not suggest blindly pushing a q-tip through a closed wound to open it up. This is not a sterile way to access the seroma and will probably be painful. You should return to your surgeon for evaluation and treatment. Good luck.

Paul Silverstein, MD (retired) · Answer

If you have a serum collection under your abdominal skin flap, it is the responsibility of your surgeon to drain it,  not you.  You have no idea of the anatomy, surgical changes ot pocket location.  What if the Q-tip breaks off while you're poking it through the wound?  What if you start bleeding?Don't let him off his responsibiity for post-op care

Dr wants me to stick q-tip in incision that has closed to drain fluid from pocket in stomach. Is this safe and normal?

Answers (5)

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