Can someone tell me what to expect with liposuction drainage?

                  It’s
not unusual for patients to have significant drainage following tumescent
liposuction.  During this procedure
large amounts of fluid are infused into the area prior to the procedure.  The majority of this fluid is removed
during the actual procedure, but residual fluid is always left behind.  Much of this fluid is resorbed by the
body, but inevitably some will drain through the incision site.

                  In
the vast majority of patients we suture the liposuction entry sites.  The major advantage of this approach is
decreased drainage from the wound. 
When wounds are left open, constant drainage occurs with bloody fluid,
which constantly stains the patient’s compression garment.  When wounds are sutured, this fluid is
resorbed by the body.  In our
experience, we’ve not seen problems when wounds are closed following tumescent
liposuction and it appears to simplify after care.

Thank you for your question about what to expect with liposuction drainage, especially as you prepare for your upcoming procedure on your abs, flanks, and later, your inner and outer thighs.

After liposuction, it's common to experience some drainage from the incision sites. This fluid is a mixture of the saline solution used during the procedure to break up fat cells, along with blood and lymphatic fluid. Here's what you should expect:

Amount of Fluid: The amount of drainage varies depending on the extent of the liposuction and the areas treated. Typically, most drainage occurs within the first 24 to 48 hours post-surgery and significantly decreases after that.
Drainage Management: You may have small drains placed at the surgery sites to help remove fluid and reduce swelling. These drains usually stay in place for a few days up to a week, depending on your surgeon's advice and how much fluid is coming out.
Dressing Changes: Your surgeon will provide instructions on how to care for your incisions and change dressings. Initially, you might need to change dressings more frequently—possibly a few times a day—to manage the drainage, but this will lessen as the drainage decreases.
Compression Garments: You will likely be required to wear compression garments for several weeks after the procedure. These garments help reduce swelling, support the healing tissues, and minimize fluid accumulation. They also help contour your body to the new shape.
Postoperative Care: Follow your surgeon's instructions for postoperative care, including keeping the incision areas clean and dry. Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments so your surgeon can monitor your healing and the effectiveness of the drainage.
Observation for Complications: While drainage is normal, excessive redness, foul odor, or significant pain around the incision sites can be signs of infection or other complications and should be reported to your surgeon immediately.
By being prepared and closely following your plastic surgeon's postoperative instructions, you can manage the drainage effectively and aid in your recovery for optimal results from your liposuction procedure.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Hello tarann,
I appreciate your questions! Having serosanguinous drainage is normal during the first week following a Liposuction procedure. Fluid may collect inside your body in the surgical area. This makes an infection or other complications more likely to occur. Surgical drains are typically placed in order to allow the fluid to flow out of your body. Usually, during the first 24-48 hours, large amount of blood-stained fluid (serosanguinous drainage) would come out of the drainage holes. Place some disposable towels on your bed to protect your bed sheets from bloody drainage. This is a normal secretion due to the exit of the anesthetic solution with blood. It will change color from red to pink to a light yellow or clear as the wound heals and the fluid starts to go away. Patients should empty their surgical drains, three times a day, and keep track of how much fluid comes out. Your plastic surgeon may give you specific information on when you no longer need the drain and when it will be removed, but generally these are removed between 4-7 days after surgery, when the drainage output is less than 30 ml/24 hrs. After Liposuction, you may not shower until your surgical drains are removed by your plastic surgeon. Until that time you may sponge bathe only. Your incision site will be covered with a dressing to keep the area protected. Keep these incisions clean and inspect daily for signs of infection. To avoid excessive bleeding you should rest quietly the first few days following Liposuction and avoid taking aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (Advil, Motrin, Aleve, among others) and some herbal medicines that can cause increase bleeding. Hope this is helpful! Dr. De La Cruz.