When does fluid stop accumulating in my stomach after a tummy tuck?

Question

It's day 9 post-op, both JPs are out, but I have to go back to the clinic twice a week to have my stomach aspirate. When does fluid stop accumulating in my stomach? I still feel the tightness and not able to stand completely upright.

Wayne I. Yamahata, MD · Answer

Depending on the technique used for the tummy tuck it is often necessary to place drains to evacuate fluid produced from the surgery. The length of time that this fluid is produced will vary depending on the extent of the surgery, i.e. generally larger procedures will generate more fluid and vice versa. No one can tell you exactly when this will abate but your surgeon can give you the best approximation, since he or she is most familiar with your particular procedure.

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions. Chronic seromas can be a very difficult problem and can take weeks to resolve. They can sometimes occur if the drains are removed before they are ready. Continue to follow with your surgeon closely and follow his or her instructions on how to optimize the chances of the seroma resolving.Hope this helps!

Gianna Ramos, MD · Answer

Hello
Thanks for your question.
A seroma is a collection of fluid that builds up under the surface of your skin. Seromas may develop after a surgical procedure, most often at the site of the surgical incision  or where tissue was removed. The fluid, called serum, doesn’t always build up right away. The swelling and fluid may start collecting several weeks after surgery.
Good luck :)
Dra. Gianna Ramos

Ben Gbulie, MD, FACS · Answer

HiThanks for your question and sorry you're having this problem. Because of the amount of dissection involved in a tummy tuck, seromas are not uncommon which is why drains are commonly used.If and when seromas do occur, serial aspiration and compression will typically lead to resolution within 3-4 weeks. Pls follow your PS's instructions closely and you should do well.I hope this helps.....

Tim Sayed, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Most surgeons use drains in a tummy tuck to prevent seromas, as your surgeon did, but after drain removal, it is always possible that some fluid may persist and need aspiration in the office a few times until resolved. This may evolve over 3-6 weeks in many patients depending on the extent of the fluid collections and the patient's weight. I usually keep drains in for 10-14 days, and sometimes longer in heavier patients, but even then I occasionally must drain a seroma a few times. Your surgeon will want to see you regularly with whatever frequency (s)he thinks is most appropriate for serial drainage of the seroma until it subsides.

David A. Sieber, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for the great question and congratulations on your surgery! It sounds like you may have developed a seroma after your procedure. These can sometimes be difficult to deal with as they come back. Once a seroma has been drained 2-3 times and it still recurs, additional therapy may need to be performed to close the capsule in which the fluid is accumulation. Most seromas get smaller after each aspiration and then stop coming back after they are drained 2-3 times. Best of luck!~Dr. Sieber

Caroline Payne, MSc, FRCS (Eng), FRCS (Plast) · Answer

Hello, after a tummy tuck it can be very variable about fluid collection. It can take sometime to settle and the flies accumulates in the space between your abdominal wall and the overlying soft tissue. Did your surgeon recommend some compression. I advise my patients to get some support underwear that is conformable, compresses but isn't too tight. It helps to press on the space that is accumulating the fluid. 
As to standing, you are only 9 days post operation so this is to be expected and you will straighten up over the next few weeks. Im sure your surgeon will be able to address your concerns as well. I hope his helps.

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