It is likely that a fluid can occur after drain removal. You need to get additional drains to keep your fluid build up in check for now (Edward J. Bednar, MD, Charlotte Plastic Surgeon)
Seroma after tummy tuck
Sounds as though you have a seroma, which is a common complication after tummy tuck. A seroma is a collection of watery fluid – the same fluid which your drains dealt with.
A fluid can serve as a significant nuisance postoperatively, and can interfere with the re-draping of the abdominal skin. Seromas are usually treated by repeated aspirations of the fluid over several weeks after surgery; sometimes, they require placement of a drain many weeks after surgery.
It’s not likely the fluid will simply go away on its own. Sometime, however, normal postoperative swelling can cause lower abdominal fullness. If this is the case, it will improve on its own over time.
If your surgeon has examined you, I would defer to his judgement and experience. If you haven’t seen him, I’d make sure he has the opportunity to evaluate you soon! (Sam Jejurikar, MD, Dallas Plastic Surgeon)
Fluid collection after a tummy tuck / abdominoplasty
If there is fluid like you describe (waterbed), then it needs to be drained. We often do what we call a wave test. If you can push on the skin in one area, and the rest of the skin moves in waves, then there is fluid beneath the skin.
Draining the fluid is a simple office procedure. If the fluid persists, then you may need to have the drain left in again and removed a week or so later. (David Shafer, MD, New York Plastic Surgeon)
Fluid build up (seroma) after a tummy tuck
It sounds like you have a fluid, which is an accumulation of fluid in the abdomen which can occur after the drains are removed. This can happen in about 5-10% of all tummy tucks. The fluid can be removed in the office by aspirating (sucking out) with a small needle. Occasionally certain medications can be injected into the area to minimize the fluid accumulation.
You should follow up with your plastic surgeon for treatment of this seroma so that the fluid does not become infected or compromise your final abdominal contour. (William Bruno, MD, Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon)
Fluid accumulation after tummy tuck
It is not uncommon to have some fluid retained after the drains come out. However if are finding that the size is increasing or there is a fluid wave, then the fluid may need to be drained. Contact your surgeon. (Lawrence C. Lin, MD, Long Island Plastic Surgeon)
Seroma after tummy tuck must be drained.
This is potentially a serious problem. What we do is have an interventional radiologist insert a new drain under ultrasound control, and leave it in for about a week. That almost always works well. (George J. Beraka, MD (retired)