Unexpected sounds in abdominal area after Tummy tuck?

Question

I'm approximately 17 days post op. I had a ventral hernia repaired as well as a 8 cm diastasis repaired with my tummy tuck. My last drain was removed 3 days ago. I hear random gurgling sounds coming from my abdominal region. No pain and to my untrained eye looks like no increase in swelling. No I am not hungry and it isn't always after a meal. What is this?

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

Without seeing you in-person, I cannot say for certain.  However, given your description of "gurgling sounds" after drain removal in a setting of large diastasis and hernia repair, you most likely have a seroma (fluid-collection).  You should be wearing compression garment/binder.  Please follow-up with your plastic surgeon to be evaluated.  You may need aspiration of the fluid.  Best regards.

Vincent D. Lepore, MD (retired) · Answer

At 17 days following a tummy tuck and just 3 days post drain removal, you may have some retained fluid and/or air under your abdominoplasty flap.  The fluid/air may slosh or pop until it has fully resorbed.  This may take a few weeks.  Let your surgeon know about your situation they may want to check to see that it isn't something more serious such as an infection.  Best wishes, Dr. Lepore.

Unexpected sounds in abdominal area after Tummy tuck?

Answers (2)

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