| The production of fluid is a normal bodily occurrence | | | | tummy tuck drains are removed, the body will produce |
| after any operation. Therefore, tummy tuck seroma | | | | too much fluid and that fluid will begin to accumulate. |
| can occur, following tummy tuck procedures. One of | | | | This is called tummy tuck seroma and the excess fluid |
| the associated cosmetic surgery costs is the | | | | will need to be drained. This is very important to |
| placement and removal of tummy tuck drains that are | | | | reduce post-operative risks to the patient. |
| utilized to assist with seroma accumulation | | | | Fortunately for the patient, drainage of tummy tuck |
| management during the recovery phase of the | | | | seroma after the removal of the tummy tuck drains is |
| surgery. | | | | a relatively simple affair. A small needle will be inserted |
| When the body eventually slows the fluid production | | | | into the fluid collection and the liquid will then be gently |
| and healing occurs, the drains will begin to stop | | | | aspirated. This extra fluid will usually disappear after |
| producing the normal liquid that can lead to tummy tuck | | | | 2-5 aspirations. |
| seroma. Typically, the tummy tuck drains will be | | | | Tummy tuck seroma needs to be addressed, since |
| removed after a week or two when the production of | | | | the growth of bacteria in the fluid, following the |
| fluid reaches less than 30 millimeters per day. The fluid | | | | removal of tummy tuck drains can lead to infection. |
| production is carefully measured and recorded on a | | | | Tummy tuck seroma should not be confused with a |
| flow sheet that the patient will receive to use during | | | | hematoma, which is a collection of blood, following a |
| the recovery period. | | | | surgery. Each event carries its own risks – but are |
| However, in about 1% of tummy tucks, after the | | | | usually addressed with tummy tuck drains. |