When Can I Expect Discharge to Stop After Tummy Tuck and Lipo?

Question

I had a Tummy Tuck and body lipo on last February 12. I had a drainage for only 9 days. After the seventh day, my belly started to swell up and my belly button started discharging a light yellow liquid, there is no odor.

	Around the hole of my belly button, the skin is turning white from the water discharge. When will it stop? What should I do ?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for reaching out with your question about discharge around your belly button following a tummy tuck with liposuction. It sounds like you are experiencing seroma formation, which is a common postoperative condition.
A seroma is a collection of serous fluid, a natural bodily fluid that aids in the healing process. When a surgical drain is removed, but your body continues to produce excess serous fluid, this fluid may find an exit through a weak point like the area around your belly button. In cases where liposuction is involved, there's often increased drainage due to the tumescent fluid used in the procedure mixing with the serous fluid.
Unfortunately, there is no medication, injection, or cream that can effectively reduce serous discharge; the body needs time to absorb the excess fluid naturally. However, there are measures you can take to manage and potentially reduce the amount of discharge:
Minimize Activity: Excessive physical activity can stimulate more fluid production. Keeping your movements gentle and avoiding strenuous activities can help in reducing the formation of serous fluid.
Use Compression Garments: Compression garments, especially when used with foam padding, can help keep the surgical area flat and minimize the discharge. These garments support the healing tissues and can reduce fluid accumulation.
It's crucial to maintain close communication with your plastic surgeon during this period. They need to monitor the discharge to ensure it doesn't become infected, as this can lead to complications like abscess formation.
If the fluid stops draining prematurely, it can accumulate and result in a persistent seroma, which might require needle aspiration at intervals to remove the accumulated fluid.
While the drainage you're experiencing will likely resolve on its own, there isn't a set timeline for how long this will take, as it varies from person to person. Regular follow-up appointments with your plastic surgeon are important for monitoring your progress and ensuring proper healing.
I hope this information helps address your concern about the belly button discharge following your tummy tuck. Please continue to consult with your surgeon for personalized care and guidance.
Good luck, and I hope your recovery proceeds smoothly.

William Bruno, MD · Answer

This could be a foreign body reaction, such as a suture or old stitch that may need to be removed. You should not have drainage from your belly button area 5 months after surgery. Please return to your surgeon for follow up regarding this issue.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

It is difficult to tell what is going on from your description.
It is in your best interest to return to the doctor, so that they can perform and examination and provide you with a recommendation or diagnosis.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

If you are having drainage after a tummy tuck and the abdomen is swelling, you may have a seroma. Contact your doctor.

Pat Pazmino, MD, FACS · Answer

Tummy tucks and liposuction are a powerful and effective combination to recontour the abdomen. It is common to use drains after a tummy tuck. The amount of fluid that comes out of drains depends on the individual patient. This can last anywhere from three days to up to 14 days. To help reduce the amount of drainage, a compression garment is extremely helpful. This garment can apply even pressure to the deep cavities and help prevent the reaccumulation of fluid.

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When Can I Expect Discharge to Stop After Tummy Tuck and Lipo?

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Answer: Tummy tuck and drainage

Answer: Drainage after a tummy tuck and liposuction

Answer: Drainage after a tummy tuck and liposuction

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When Can I Expect Discharge to Stop After Tummy Tuck and Lipo?

Answers (5)

Answer: Tummy tuck and drainage

Answer: Tummy tuck and drainage

Answer: Drainage after a tummy tuck and liposuction

Answer: Drainage after a tummy tuck and liposuction

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