The following post from our forum is from a woman who had a tummy tuck 6 weeks ago and now has an infection and fluid buildup.

Date: 01/30/2012 Submitted by: SusanInfection 6 Weeks After Tummy Tuck

Hi I had a tummy tuck procedure done almost 6 weeks ago and have developed a infection. I have told my surgeon and she is well aware of it and has got me on antibiotics. As I just want a second opinion as I have got fluid build up in my abdomen and I did manage to drain majority of it today but it seems to be refilling and bloating up again, also every time I drain the fluid I feel like I am burning up 🙁 just want to know if this is what is expected??? I am also going to make a appointment to see my GP doctor tomorrow to get his opinion too.

Thank you for any help or advice you can give me.

Susan

RESPONSE

Date: 01/30/2012 Submitted by: Tanner

Susan,

I can’t give you a second opinion because I a former tummy tuck patient and not a doctor but I can tell you about my personal experience and about what others have written in about.

When the surgeon drained my fluid I did not “feel like I am burning up” nor do I recall anyone else describing that sensation after “being drained” (assuming you are talking about after and not when the syringe is sucking the fluid out).

When you say “I did manage to drain majority of it today ” and “every time I drain the fluid” I assume you mean every time your surgeon drains the fluid out with a syringe. (more info about surgical drains)

You said you were drained yesterday and now you feel that you are refilling and bloating up again roughly 12 hours later. I am a little surprised at how quickly that happened (but you did say “feel”).

Going to your GP is a good idea for a second opinion and peace of mind.

Hopefully the antibiotics will knock out the infection and your body will absorb all the remaining drainage (note – other people have drained much longer than you)

Sorry I can’t tell you more.

Good luck,

Tanner