Leaking from Bellybutton After Abdominoplasty, Should I be Worried?

Question

Abdominoplasty 5 1/2 weeks ago in Mexico. Coming out of anesthesia I ripped the drain out. Replaced 4 hours later. 10 days after surgery the drain fell out and the wound healed quickly. The fluid started leaking from my bellybutton. If I leaned over the sink and massaged my stomach it would squirt out. I have been tested for infection and that is negative. It has now stopped but because my bellybutton has healed. Should I be worried that the fluid is still being produced with no place to go?

	Update: Thank you very much for your replies and concerns. I'm in Las Vegas and the PS is in Tijuana so it's not too far away. I have made an appointment to see him this Friday and will post the results of that appointment.

	Thanks again for the advice!

Adam Tattelbaum, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear that you're in this situation and do not have easy access to your plastic surgeon.
	Your issue could be as simple as a fluid collection, or more complex such as a localized infection or a suture that is draining.
	If you can't see or communicate with the surgeon that did your surgery you really need to see someone where you are as soon as possible to make sure that a small problem does not become a big one.
	Please go see your plastic surgeon or a another board certified surgeon in your area as soon as possible.
	I hope for you that this turned out to be nothing but it is safer to be evaluated.

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD, FACS · Answer

If the leaking persists or if you develop an infection, you should see a local plastic surgeon in case you need antibiotics or drainage.

Ralph R. Garramone, MD · Answer

All surgical procedures carry certain risks and the possibility of certain complications.  In the ideal situation they would not occur, but unfortunately they do.  In the usual situation, when you have surgery you are usually able to return to your plastic surgeon to have a similar issue attended to and treated.  When surgery at a distance from where you live is contemplated this is one aspect of the decision making process that seems to incompletely considered.  This is especially true I find when patients consider having surgery outside of the United States which is done usually to save money, the problem being you do not have access to your physician when you leave.  I would say that most plastic surgeons in your area or any area for that matter are not anxious to see a patient with a problem from another surgeon.  Nevertheless, you should try to see a local plastic surgeon to diagnose the problem and treat it.

	The problem you described may be a seroma, a fluid collection under the skin that the drain usually treats. It may represent a localized infection or reaction to a buried stitch in the region of the umbilicus.  Judging by your description of the amount of fluid I suspect it represents a seroma or fluid collection which may recur.

	Thank you for your question and good luck.

Alan M. Engler, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

All procedures are associated with the risk of certain complications, many of which are relatively minor, but you do need to be able to see your surgeon or another surgeon during the first few weeks post-op.  The situation you're in - relatively far away from your surgeon - is one that has to be considered when you're having surgery:  what will you do in the event that you have a question after you have left the area?  When I do surgery on out-of-town patients I try to anticipate that issue and, whenever possible, make arrangements ahead of time (or contingency plans). 

	In your case I would advise you to contact your PS and see if he or she can recommend anyone near you.  Absent that, you should try to find someone on your own.  You may have a relatively minor issue now - some fluid still trapped inside - but it can become more significant if left untreated.  I suggest that you see your, or another, PS as soon as possible.

	I hope that this helps and good luck,

	Dr. E

Leaking from Bellybutton After Abdominoplasty, Should I be Worried?

Answers (4)

More Tummy Tuck Questions

I Am 12 Days Post-op. My Incision Has Begun to Itch Like Crazy. Is It Safe to Apply Anything?

Waterbed Effect Still Present After Doc Tried to Aspirate Abdomen and Came out Dry. Should I Worry?

Is It Possible to Wear Binder to Tight? Will Cause Your Feet to Tingle?

Follow Up to Tummy Tuck Scar Has Pulled Pubic Hair 1" Below Belly Button, Normal? (photo)

How Long Does if Take for Stitches to Fall off of Belly Button?

How Long After Having a Tummy Tuck Can I Go Back to the Gym?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS