My TT with muscle repair was 3 wks ago. Doc feels fluid but has tried to drain it 3x with no success. Will my body absorb it?

Question

I’m worried about the outcome and/or infection. I was not told to wear a tight compression garment. I woke up in a Marena recovery garment that was too big and wore it for the first 10 days or so because I didn’t know better. Ordered a new one but it’s only slightly supportive and not that tight. Doc said that was fine. But this fluid isn’t going away and he’s unable to drain it after multiple attempts. Will my body absorb it?

Erika Sato, MD, FACS · Answer

Seromas are actually a known entity that can happen after a tummy tuck. The ways to get rid of a seroma are the following: NO alcohol, NO salt in your diet, if healthy can start a diuretic such as Lasix (will also take a potassium pill with this), fluid restriction (limit the amount of fluid you are taking in to dehydrate the body),very tight compression and do not take it off for more than a few minutes per day. Marena garments are not very tight in general for the body garments (I love their arm vest, but not any of their other garments). Look into Design Veronique - they make really tight garments. You want it so tight it's uncomfortable to close down that space where the water is. If you can palpate or feel the fluid under the skin, then the PS should be able to drain it.

Paul C. Dillon, MD · Answer

My experience with seromas are that they have to be drained.  This is provided that there is actual fluid present.  You may be able to get an ultrasound and have it drained under ultrasound guidance.  I think at your early stage it is very important to verify that fluid is present.

My TT with muscle repair was 3 wks ago. Doc feels fluid but has tried to drain it 3x with no success. Will my body absorb it?

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My TT with muscle repair was 3 wks ago. Doc feels fluid but has tried to drain it 3x with no success. Will my body absorb it?

Answers (2)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.