Is it normal to leak blood from a drainless mini tummy tuck? (Photo)

Question

Im worried because ive been leaking alot my stomach is lumpy and hard. No drains. 2 weeks post op mini tummy tuck.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello. Great question. It is normal to start leaking if no drain is put in. You may be leaking for a few weeks. Please follow up with your surgeon to closely monitor your recovery.

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

Drains are used to prevent fluid accumulation after tummy tucks. Fluid can accumulate even with the progressive tension suture method on which the drainless tummy tuck is based. I use both methods together. You will need to have this evaluated to see if a drain needs to be placed.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear babycakesjoyhannalyla,I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment. Only after thorough examination you can get proper recommendations and advice. Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It is not common to leak a lot of blood from a tummy tuck.  Please contact your surgeon for an evaluation.  You did not provide before photos so I can't comment on the appearance of your abdomen but your surgeon will be able to advise you how to proceed.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

No, it is not normal and you need to call your surgeon and asked to be seen. You may need fluid removed.

Lavinia K. Chong, MD · Answer

Drainless TT are currently trending, however here are some factors of which you should be aware.  Even if the abdominoplasty  flap is only lifted up to the belly button, it needs to "stick" down again, so seroma (thin bloody drainage) doesn't build up.  In addition to controlling post-op activities, wearing compression garments, surgeons generally use "quilting" sutures, which tack the skin flap onto the abdominal fascia and/or tissue glue.  Call your PS, ASAP, notify the office of the finding and any other factors, which may influence the plan of care (i.e. fevers, redness, purulent drainage, etc.).  Good luck.

Tim Sayed, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Hard to tell from the photos but from the description it could either be a normal amount of spotting/drainage from the incision or could be seroma fluid draining. The absence of drains suggests to me this may be a seroma that accumulated (which a drain would normally evacuate). You should see your surgeon to be examined as it may be a minor issue that needs needle aspiration to remove the fluid if the abdomen gets more swollen or the drainage through the wound does not subside.

John J. Bandeian, MD · Answer

I can't tell anything about bleeding from the pictures you sent.  However, from the pictures you sent, it appears that your belly is swollen and might have fluid or blood under the skin. You need to see your plastic surgeon ASAP.

Is it normal to leak blood from a drainless mini tummy tuck? (Photo)

Answers (8)

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