Leaking from wound after tummy tuck. Is it normal for this to happen?

Question

I had a tummy tuck two months ago. After a couple of weeks my wound opened up a little bit on my left side and leakage started to come out of it. At first the liquid was a red colour and very liquidy, but recently the leakage from it has changed to a more yellowey colour and is much more thicker in consistenency. Is it normal for this to happen? Also the leaking has been happening for 5 weeks now, is it normal to be continuing for this long?

Richard J. Brown, MD · Answer

Patients do have wound healing problems and that can lead to draining from a wound as you describe.. Honestly this can only really be measured as to how severe it is by your surgeon or any other surgeon you may go to see in person. But, patients do have wound healing complications and should be managed by your surgeon to ensure you do not have an infection.

Francisco Canales, MD · Answer

Drainage after tummy tuck is not uncommon, but at two months, you should be in close contact with your surgeon. They are going to be best at knowing what was done at surgery and how to help you heal.  Below is a fully healed tummy tuck example. Hang in there.

Remus Repta, MD · Answer

Sorry to hear about your tummy tuck recovery issue.  Wound drainage two months after a tummy tuck would not be considered normal.  It may be that you have a hematoma that your body dissolved and then pushed out through your incision.  The ongoing leaking for five weeks however may also indicate a more chronic inflammatory source.  Regardless, this is something that should be evaluated in person by your plastic surgeon.All the best,Dr.  Remus Repta

Lisa Lynn Sowder, MD (retired) - Account Suspended · Answer

My guess is that you have either a stitch abscess or an area of fat necrosis.  You should see your plastic surgeon who is the best one to evaluate you.  These type of issues can be very worrisome for patients but usually resolve with proper treatment.

Christine Sullivan, MD (retired) · Answer

Please contact your board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your post-operative concerns. It is very important that you surgeon is aware of your recovery and any issues you may have. Best wishes!

Leaking from wound after tummy tuck. Is it normal for this to happen?

Answers (5)

Answer: Drainage after a tummy tuck

Answer: Drainage after a tummy tuck

Answer: Tummy Tuck Drainage

Answer: Tummy Tuck Drainage

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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Leaking from wound after tummy tuck. Is it normal for this to happen?

Answers (5)

Answer: Drainage after a tummy tuck

Answer: Drainage after a tummy tuck

Answer: Tummy Tuck Drainage

Answer: Tummy Tuck Drainage

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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.