Fluid Build-Up After Tummy Tuck

Your description seems to indicate a seroma (fluid collection) has occurred after the drain removal.  Drains are placed after surgery to help minimize fluid collection that naturally occurs when the abdomen has been contoured as it has in a tummy tuck.  If a small amount of fluid collects after drain removal, your body will often absorb it without difficulty.  However, if there is a significant amount of fluid, it does need to be drained to prevent long-term complications.  The best treatment approach is drainage done with a needle in the office followed by compressive garments.  If the fluid continues to re-accumulate, another drain may need to be placed.  Good luck!

 Your condition is consistent with a seroma, which is a collection of fluid underneath the abdominal flap. This should be addressed as it can be more difficult to resolve if it is left untreated early. Usually it will respond to needle aspirations in the office in conjunction with a pressure garment. You may require a number of aspiration sessions to completely resolve it. At times seromas can persist and require more aggressive treatments such as drains, sclerosing agents, or even surgery, but this is more the exception

Hi Ladyjay,

Sounds as though you have a seroma, which is a common complication after tummy tuck. A seroma is a collection of watery fluid - the same fluid which your drains dealt with. A seroma can serve as a significant nuisance postoperatively, and can interfere with the re-draping of the abdominal skin. Seromas are usually treated by repeated aspirations of the fluid over several weeks after surgery; sometimes, they require placement of a drain many weeks after surgery.

It's not likely the fluid will simply go away on its own. Sometime, however, normal postoperative swelling can cause lower abdominal fullness. If this is the case, it will improve on its own over time. If your surgeon has examined you, I would defer to his judgement and experience. If you haven't seen him, I'd make sure he has the opportunity to evaluate you soon!

Hope this helps. Best of luck.

If there is fluid like you describe (waterbed), then it needs to be drained.  We often do what we call a wave test.  If you can push on the skin in one area, and the rest of the skin moves in waves, then there is fluid beneath the skin.  Draining the fluid is a simple office procedure.  If the fluid persists, then you may need to have the drain left in again and removed a week or so later.

 

Good Luck.

It sounds like you have a seroma, which is an accumulation of fluid in the abdomen which can occur after the drains are removed.  This can happen in about 5-10% of all tummy tucks. 

The fluid can be removed in the office by aspirating (sucking out) with a small needle. Occasionally certain medications can be injected into the area to minimize the fluid accumulation.

You should follow up with your plastic surgeon for treatment of this seroma so that the fluid does not become infected or compromise your final abdominal contour.

Best wishes,

Dr. Bruno