Tummy Tuck 6 Weeks Post Op Drainage?

Hello, and thank you for your question about continued drainage at six weeks after your tummy tuck. First, congratulations on your 130-pound weight loss — that’s an incredible accomplishment, and taking the next step with body contouring shows your commitment to your transformation.

Now, regarding your concern: still having a drain in at six weeks post-op is not typical, but it’s not unheard of — especially in patients who’ve had massive weight loss. Your fluctuating drainage volumes (as low as 5cc and as high as 60–70cc) are concerning, especially this late in your recovery. This kind of pattern often suggests that your body may be producing fluid intermittently, or that you may have developed a seroma (a fluid collection under the skin) that’s keeping your drain active.

Here are a few possible reasons for persistent drainage at this stage:

Seroma cavity that hasn't fully sealed

Dead space between the skin and muscle due to insufficient tissue adherence

Too much activity too soon, causing fluid to reaccumulate

Infection or inflammation (though you didn’t mention redness, warmth, or fever)

The fact that your surgeon placed a new drain just three days ago suggests he may have suspected or confirmed a seroma and attempted to manage it non-surgically. However, the key issue here is that your concerns are not being clearly addressed, and at this point in your recovery, you deserve more answers.

Here’s what I recommend:

Request a follow-up ultrasound or imaging to assess for fluid pockets that might not be adequately draining.

Consider getting a second opinion from another board-certified plastic surgeon — preferably one experienced in post-weight loss body contouring.

Ask your current surgeon if quilting sutures or other advanced closure techniques were used — their absence can lead to longer drain duration.

While every body heals differently, a drain that’s still producing 60–70cc at six weeks should not be dismissed without a proper explanation. You’ve come too far to be left in the dark — it’s time to get clear answers and appropriate care.

Wishing you continued healing and better communication moving forward.

Sincerely,
Dr. J. Timothy Katzen, MD, MBA, FASMBS, FICS
(Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and President of the American Board of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons)

Thank you for your question. Drainage after a Tummy Tuck can be a challenge. As uncomfortable a drain is, the drain helps you to heal faster. No drain means fluid accumulation preventing the skin from healing. Usually the volume of fluid decreases each day, and doesn't bounce around. I suggest stripping the drains to ensure good flow, and follow up with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. I hope this helps.

You have a post operative seroma which is fairly common. This will likely go away very soon and not be a problem. It is appropriate to place another drain as this will help it heal faster. Sorry your PS does not communicate well, this is probably just his personality. Try talking more to the nurse, usually they relate more to the patient.