Blood clots coming out of Tummy Tuck incision. What can I expect to happen now? What's best way to treat this? (photos)

Question

After 30 days of having my drain tube in,it came out today. At the same time we noticed a 2 inch section of incision (kind of a bloody blister). My PS drained it and told me it would probably drain more. Tonight when I was changing the bandage, I was pressing down and blood clots and blood came out for a good 10 mins. Now , it feels like it's hollow under the incision. What's happening and how do I help encourage healing? Should I keep tight compression? Should I not be active? Do I rest more?

Thomas A. Pane, MD · Answer

This is consistent with a collection of blood under the skin flap.  I don't know why the drain was in place so long, but your story is in line with what is expected once a collection of blood turns liquid and starts to drain out.  This usually resolves without too much trouble, but your surgeon should be seeing you frequently until things are better.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

It appears the abdominoplasty incision has dehisced secondary to a hematoma underneath it.  Now that the hematoma has been drained, it may be possible to reclose this incision under local anesthesia in the office.  Discuss this with your surgeon

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Thank you for your pictures. If this has happened just right after you will always a little trauma from the drain removal. This should readily subside. Your plastic surgeon should follow you closely to make sure that you have a reasonable outcome. Earl Stephenson, Jr, MD, DDS, FACS

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

a day ago... hopefully it has subsided by now.  But as the others have mentioned, you should see your surgeon about this.  When similar things happen with my patients, its usually because there was a small hematoma and now its finding an easy out following removal of the drain.  But if you encounter bright red bleeding and saturation of your dressings, you MUST contact your surgeon as you now have an urgent issue.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

These are ALLL issues that need immediate attention from your surgeon!!! Over the internet we CAN NOT diagnose or treat....

Blood clots coming out of Tummy Tuck incision. What can I expect to happen now? What's best way to treat this? (photos)

Answers (5)

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