How Many Times Should I Expect to have a Seroma Drained Post Tummy Tuck?

Thank you for the question.


Unfortunately, there is no knowing exactly how many aspiration sessions will be necessary before the seroma  does not recur.  Most of the time however somewhere between 2 and 5 sessions are required.  It may be helpful to apply a “soft” pressure dressing over the area of fluid accumulation and to limit strenuous activity during this time.




Another piece of advice (that may not apply to you specifically) for patients recovering  after tummy tuck surgery has to do with the emotional responses to major surgery.  Patients who are about to undergo tummy tuck surgery spend a lot of time thinking about the physical preparation for the procedure (for example weight loss issues) but do not spend a lot of time thinking about the emotional aspects.




It is not uncommon for patients who undergo the procedure to experience severe “mood swings”. These emotions may range from depression ( “why did I do this to myself”) to elation  (which may lead to over activity). I think it is helpful to be aware that these emotional swings do occur postoperatively. 
Suggestions I have for patients undergoing this procedure: 1. Make sure you have a strong support system in place who have time/patience to take care of you. 2. Be patient with the healing process, understanding that it will take several weeks to months to feel “normal” again. 3. Be prepared to distract your mind with things of interest such as books, magazines, and movies. 4. Expect less of yourself; do not go back to work too early and let others take care of you (for a change). 5. Keep in close communication with your surgeon and do not hesitate to communicate questions/concerns and the emotional swings that you may experience. 6. Keep in mind the end result!




 I hope this helps. 

Sorry to hear you have a seroma, although they are common after the tummy tuck procedure, they are also frustrating for patients to keep having their seroma drained. The amount of times you have to have it drained varies. It essentially has to do with how much fluid you have built up.  If the drainage continues, your surgeon may suggest for you to go in the OR and have a new drain put in.

My recommendation for you to limit your activity level and wear your compression garment until your seroma gets better. Best of luck to you.

To learn more, please visit our page on potential complications of a tummy tuck procedure.

A seroma is an accumulation of fluid under the skin that can occur after various kinds of plastic surgery. Seromas can interefere with healing of surgical site and may require drainage. Small seromas often dissolve on their own, however larger one may need to be drained with the needle and syringe to avoid problems.   However,  if precautions are taken, such as placement of the drains and compression graments seromas occur very rarely. In very rare situtations  drainage has to be repeated several times but that usually solves the problem.