Question:
I have sprung a leak!!!!!!!

I am a little over 4 weeks post-op and feeling super, but, today my incision decided to start leaking at the bottom!! I had no drains after surgery and my incision had appeared to be closed over and healing nicely... but today while changing clothes I noticed a small "bump" in the very middle of the bottom of my incision, and upon looking closer, noticed it was leaking a very pale pink liquid....no odor at all and the area is not red nor is it warm... Anyone have any ideas why this would occur??? Love and Light,    — medium (posted on December 18, 2002)

December 18, 2002
HI Lisa: I am having the same problem and I am two weeks post-op. I was told to keep the opening clean and let it run its course. If it starts to smell or if the site gets red call your doc. You may want to call your doc to see if they want to pack it. Cheers
   — Micheal B.

December 18, 2002
hi there :) i went home with my jp drain which according to the surgeon was left in by mistake as he had wanted it taken out while i was still in the hospital. i had drain in 2 weeks post op and had pink drainage the whole time so if there were no drain i wonder if it would have leaked from my incision. my cousin did have the drain taken out in the hospital and she did leak from her incision. surgeon said it was just the way her body reacted to the staples but i wonder if it just was the fact that the jp drain wasnt left in. good luck to you, its pretty common from hearing what others have gone through. :)
   — carrie M.

December 18, 2002
Hi, I had the same problem. I was leaking at the bottom of my incission. My incission drained alot. It really scared me--I was afraid to move, because each time I moved it drained more. Luckily, I was had an appointment the next day with the surgeon anyway. She the wound at the bottom just a little and showed me how to pack the wound. It took about 3 weeks for it to heal up completely. At the bottom of my wound it looks like I have a second belly button--but that is ok--the weight loss is worth it all! Thanks, Donna
   — Donna T.

December 18, 2002
hiya- please check the library using search word SEROMA. The fluid you see is the same type of fluid your body produces to form a blister- it's usually the reaction to an irritation. Not smelly, still clear- you're fine. A gauze pad should be all you need. Best wishes.
   — Karen N.

December 19, 2002
A "big" thank you to all of those who responded to this question....I feel better just by reading your answers. And I know this will be fine...there is only a "pin" point hole that is draining and only enough to fill a bandaide, so I don't think it's a huge deal, but just to be safe, I will be calling my Dr....but I truly appreciate all the help I have gotten here. You guys are the very best!!!!! Love and light,
   — medium

December 19, 2002
Hi Lisa, I had the same problem starting at about 2 weeks out and lasted till about 6 weeks. It started with a pinkish and went through stages of orange and yellow. No odor and redness. I was told that when fat is cut it doesnt heal, it liquifies and does what has to to find its way out. Sounds kinda gross I know, but it made sense to me. Have a good day.
   — Marilayne M.