Where does the fluid go after a tummy tuck, and would I weigh less when it does go down?

Question

Had a tummy tuck on Monday , today is Saturday. After surgery my tummy was so flat , then I was placed on drips and it looks now like my old tummy. Lol. A few family members say they don't see a change even tho I'm still wrapped up in bandages etc. I was told it's fluid and how your body responds to surgery. I'm 28 , no drains. Would I weigh less when this fluid leaves me ? Would my tummy get flat like it did just after surgery ?

Steven L. Ringler, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Most likely, it is normal swelling following your tummy tuck, but there is always some risk of seroma (collection of fluid) or hematoma as well. Tummy tucks do not generally produce much weight loss, but rather enhanced contouring and a flatter abdomen after the repair of the abdominal muscle and tightening of the skin.  You should talk to your own plastic surgeon about your concerns. In time, you should see the flat result that you did immediately following surgery. Best of luck to you.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Over the years, surgeons have improved procedures and found ways to eliminate the need for #drains commonly used in a #tummy #tuck or #abdominoplasty, and a variety of other operations. I have found that most of my patients do very well with the exception of those have large areas of liposuction or lipo-abdominoplasty. Any extra fluid may be reabsorbed back into the body without the use of drains.  I may use drains on a case by case basis for these patients. If you go to a plastic #surgeon who uses drains, or if your situation requires drains, they usually stay in 3-5 days but may be required to remain in longer. The use of tissue #glue is to adhere the abdominal #skin to the #muscle. It is a new option and alternative to sutures in a tummy tuck. Healing after a  #tummy tuck will require time. Your abdomen will feel tight for a month or longer. If you have had a muscle repair as well (the usual case), you will feel the most tightness down the center of your tummy where the doctor has actually repaired your muscles. The purpose of the post-procedure #garment is to provide some gentle #support and to reduce swelling following a #TummyTuck or #Abdominoplasty. Please note that a Tummy Tuck is not an alternative to weight loss and you may not see a significant change in weight when you step up on the scale. However you may experience a change in measurements and how your clothing fits. The #healing process make take at least 3-4 months until you see your final results.  Also, another element to a satisfying result of your procedures are realistic #expectations.

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry.  It is not uncommon to have swelling after a tummy tuck, and it can worsen for several days before it reaches a plateau then gradually resolves.  The excess fluid will naturally be resorbed and excreted.  In some cases there also can be a pocket of fluid under the skin that can be drained away.  Your plastic surgeon will be able to distinguish between the different causes of swelling.

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

The fact that you were put on drips is unusual.  5 days after surgery you are so swollen that it is not possible to judge your outcome.   It takes 6 months for the swelling to go down.  The tummy should be flat at that point.

Randy Proffitt, MD · Answer

Swelling is a normal reaction of your body to surgery.  Swelling after a tummy tuck reaches a maximum at a few days after surgery, then begins to regress.  Your body will absorb the swelling fluid over time.  How long this takes is much longer than most people realize.  Everyone wants their final results in just a few days, however I tell patients most of the swelling will take 6 weeks to subside.  For the final result expect 6 months for all the swelling to be gone.  Since your surgeon did not use drains, it is important to wear compression bandages or garments for several weeks. If fluid is allowed to accumulate between the layers between skin and muscle you could develop a seroma.  A seroma is just a collection of fluid in a space.That is why it is important to follow your surgeons instructions, wear compression garments, and limit activity for several weeks.  A tummy tuck can have a tremendous positive impact on most people.  It is a big operation that shouldn't be taken lightly.  Most women say they would do it again in a heartbeat once they have fully recovered.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

ALWAYS best to call or see your chosen surgeon with these issues especially since NO posted photos!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on having undergone the tummy tuck procedure. What you describe is commonly encountered after this procedure. Patients will like their “flatness” immediately after surgery; then, these same patients are disappointed for a period of time once swelling of the tissues occurs. In the longer term (this may take several months and even up to one year), the swelling dissipates and the skin of the abdominal wall "redrapes"  over the smaller underlying  musculoskeletal framework (where the abdominal wall muscles have been brought together again in the midline).Sometimes, fluid accumulations (seroma or hematoma)  may cause the appearance of increased swelling; best to have your plastic surgeon evaluate you if you have noticed significant changes and/or have concerns. I hope this, and the attached link, helps. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with long-term.

Anh Lee, MD, FACS · Answer

You are still very early in the recovery process and the swelling will go down but will take several months to do so.  I always tell my patients you will not see a drastic difference on the scale but will see the difference when you try on your old clothes and as your compression garment gets loose to go down sizes.

Where does the fluid go after a tummy tuck, and would I weigh less when it does go down?

Answers (8)

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