I've started leaking fluid a lot of fluid from my stitches, had Tummy Tuck 4 weeks ago, is this normal?

Question

I had a tummy tuck 4 weeks ago and my recovery has been great. But this morning I started leaking a lot of fluid front one area of my stitches. Is this normal as the swelling goes down?

Ankur Mehta, MD · Answer

Hello Darlaca, thank you for your question! It sounds like you likely have a seroma. Infection is also possible so this should be of concern if you are experiencing pain, redness, warmth, fevers, chills, pus etc... Either way you should contact your plastic surgeon ASAP. If its infection then its obviously more urgent than if it is just a seroma. If its a seroma, they may still want to see you sooner rather than later. I hope this helps!Ankur Mehta MD

R. Scott Yarish, MD · Answer

This is clearly abnormal.  Have your surgeon check for a fluid collection.  This is most likely a simple seroma (collection of normal body fluid) that happens not infrequently after the drains are removed.  Of course, if there is redness and/or pain associated with it and if the drainage is thick, it is more likely an infection.  See your surgeon or nurse ASAP.

Erika Sato, MD, FACS · Answer

Leaking fluid from the incision 4 weeks after surgery is either an infection or a seroma (the fluid is making a path to leave your abdomen through your incision. Either way you need to see your PS.

Giovanna Ghafoori, MD · Answer

Hi, DarlaCA.  Congratulations on your tummy tuck! It sounds like you have developed a seroma (a blister-like fluid that your body has kept making and hasn't absorbed sufficiently).  This will need to be addressed by your surgeon, given that it is enough that it is forcing its way through your stitches.  If untreated, the continued fluid could cause your incision to open and/or get infected.  The good news is that a seroma is usually fairly easy to treat (although it may take several treatments and some time).  Good luck! I hope all goes well and that you go back to healing uneventfully.

Thomas Trey Sands, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I'm sorry you are experiencing some trouble. It's sounds like you have a retained seroma (or fluid collection) that is finding its way out to drain from the incision. This is not necessarily an infection but it could lead to one. I would recommend seeing you plastic surgeon immediately so that they can assess it and possibly drain the rest of the seroma and teach you how to take care of it to allow it to fully resolve and heal without issues.

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Leaking fluid is not common after 4 weeks of surgery. May be seroma?. I recommend you talk to your PS for evaluation.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You may have a seroma that is finding a way to drain. I would suggest calling your doctor and asking to be seen. Keep the area clean and covered so that you don't pick up an infection.

I've started leaking fluid a lot of fluid from my stitches, had Tummy Tuck 4 weeks ago, is this normal?

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