Question:
Those who've had tummy tuck, please let me know if you've had this experience.

I just had my tt with anchor cut on 7/15. I had my drains in for a week. Now, it's been almost another week and I have my sutures out on Monday. The problem is that it seems like I have a lot of fluid in my tummy. I can touch one hip where it's very jiggly and see the ripple like liquid go towards the middle of my stomach. Is this normal? Anyone have this experience? Does this liquid get absorbed? Thank you to anyone who can help.    — Michele :. (posted on July 26, 2002)

July 26, 2002
I had my panniculectomy with anchor incision done in November. Every surgeon has a slightly different approach to things. Mine believes in leaving the drains in until there is no drainage present at all, or only a very small amount. Consequently, I kept one of my four drains for seven weeks....the other three were removed between 2-3 weeks. They were a bit of an aggravation, but he explained that patients can accumulate a large amount of fluid between the skin and the abdominal muscles following a TT....some will naturally reabsorb, but most will need to be drained....either with the surgical drains or periodically with a needle in the office during the post-op visits. There is a lot of numbness along the suture line, so even draining the extra fluid with a needle is almost painless....I had to have that done once post-op, and it was a "piece of cake"...or you can ask that he numb the site before aspirating the fluid. Feel free to write me privately if I can help in any way :-) Best wishes!
   — Diana T.

July 27, 2002
I just had my panniculectomy about 6 weeks ago. I had a lot of fluid build up (called a seroma). My surgeon drained the fluid off with a syringe and IV type needle. (Actually she took off seven 60cc syringes full the first time). She subsequently did a slight revision while doing my lateral thigh plasty that consisted of lifting the lower belly, scoring the tissue underneath to create better scar tissue and I then had 5 different drains in, 3 in front and two in back from the thigh plasty. I currently have an incision hole that lets out all the fluid build up just above my right thigh. She assures me that this is normal and as a very good plastic surgeon, I trust her judgement. See your doctor and let him know your concerns. Also be watchful for any signs of infection such as swolleness, redness, pain, fever as this could mean the development of cellulitis. Good Luck!
   — merri B.

August 1, 2002
Well, I have seen my PS twice this week. He took off all the fluid in my belly with a needle on Monday. Then today he took out more and I will see him again a week from Monday because he's going out of town next week. I was wondering- how much swelling did others with the anchor cut tt experience? My waist is about 4 inches bigger now than before surgery. Is that normal? I know I've read that it takes a few months to see the final results, but I guess I just need a little reassurance. Thanks for your responses!
   — Michele :.

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