Is fluid left from abdominal liposuction after taking the drainage out dangerous if not taken out?

Question

My girlfriend had abdominal liposuction exactly two weeks ago. During 1 week post op, the nurse had to use a needle to take out some fluid. She took out 210 cc's from both side of lower abdominal. 3 days later my girlfriend noticed there's more fluid. We don't want go back bc we're 5 hours drive away. What happen if she just leave the fluid to the body to absorb? Will she get infection from the fluid? Will it cause skin separation? Probably about 30cc's more. Thank you in advance!!!

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

A seroma after liposuction is extremely unusual. It is not dangerous to be left untreated unless a secondary infection occurs. This would be unlikely. There might be however aesthetic consequences to allowing this to heal without drainage. Let me know if you are treated with ultrasound or the laser during your liposuction procedure.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

If there is fluid in the treatment area after liposuction it is very important you have this closely monitored.  It may be the formation of a seroma, which is inflammation in a sac/cavity, and if not drained frequently till it resolves, there is a risk of scar formation or infection.  Not to mention poor final aesthetic results.  I would suggested speaking with the physician who treated you, find out what they believe is going on, why this is happening, and what their long term plans are for your care.  Frequently fluid aspiration, compression, ultrasound, and sometimes antibiotics are needed.  I wish you the best of luck, Dr. Emer.

Keith Denkler, MD · Answer

Your friend is draining  quite a bit of fluid.  See if your doctor will put in a suction drain to manage the fluid so you will not have such a lengthy back-and-forth trip.If left alone the fluid can become infected, so it does need to be managed until it stops.If you lived nearby, repeated aspirations would be fine until her body develops the ability to handle the fluid itself.Good luck.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It is not common for fluid to accumulate after liposuction but it can happen. As far as aspiration is concerned, usually after repeated removal, the fluid accumulation slows down, but I will say taking out over 200 cc's in one setting will likely require further treatment. If the fluid is left inside and it is a lot, then you can risk developing a pseudobursa or a fluid filled cavity that could be a problem.

Is fluid left from abdominal liposuction after taking the drainage out dangerous if not taken out?

Answers (4)

Answer: Fluid aspiration

Answer: Fluid aspiration

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Is fluid left from abdominal liposuction after taking the drainage out dangerous if not taken out?

Answers (4)

Answer: Fluid aspiration

Answer: Fluid aspiration

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Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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