Why am I draining liquid non stop from my tummy tuck incision?

Question

I am 9 days post tummy tuck with lipo and no muscle plication. I had one drain taken out at 5 days and one left in. Day 7 i woke up with my pants and gauze completely soaked. I took them off and was leaking though three different places in my incision. The leaking will not stop. My doctor said this was normal. The drainage was pink in color not too thick and has a funny odor. Please help

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

You may have a seroma. See your surgeon! Seromas are common after tummy tuck surgery and usually require drainage via small needle using a 20 or 60 cc syringe. When a seroma is not drained, it can lead to additional complications and so I tell my patients to come in for drainage whenever they feel pressure or have leaking.  If the seroma is less than 60 cc then it most likely will resolve. If consistently above 100 cc the a seroma cath with drain might be useful. Best, Dr. ALDO

Adolfo Sesto, MD · Answer

From your question you did not have a Tummy Tuck because Tummy Tuck combined abdominal muscles plicature and removal of excess skin.Usually in a Tummy Tuck I left a drainage for 1 week and is there is to much fluid a little longer, but after taken it out, if there is still accumulation of liquid usually we drain it with a syringe as the accumulation of fluids demands.The leaking is normal, talked about it with your surgeon, I do not understand your procedure and the 2 drains.

Neil T. Chen, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions, You did not mention whether you have drain tubes. If you still do, you may want to make sure it is holding suction and still working first. If you do not have drains, check with your PS. I generally leave two drains in until the output is lower. However, some plastic surgeons don't use drains. Get in touch with your PS.

Robert Whitfield, MD · Answer

Keep following up with surgeon.  Small areas of leakage can occur depending on clue and very small gaps in the sutures.  There are ways to close these areas that may decrease drainage.  I use quilting sutures and can leave a drain out in cases.

Why am I draining liquid non stop from my tummy tuck incision?

Answers (4)

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