Question:
Need info on post op TT & arms fluid build up

I'm 2 weeks post op TT & arms. I got my last drain tube out yesterday (from pubic area). The dr also aspirated 10 cc of clear fluid from a golf-ball size pocket in my arm by my elbow. I have fluid in the other arm in the same place, but not as much, so he didn't touch it. The pocket that he drained filled up last night and is now even bigger. I called the DR this morning, spoke to his nurse who said just to keep an eye on it for redness and fever. (He didn't think it was necessary for me to come in to get it drained nor be put on antibiotics as precausion.) Well, tonight I found another pocket of fluid, this one in my arm pit. Anyone else have this and NOT have it aspirated? It's uncomfortable and I'm so very afraid of what could happen if it stays in me... any info would be most appreciate. Thank you.    — missesrita (posted on April 2, 2004)

April 2, 2004
I had breast implants and my arms done on March 1, 2004. I had some minor swelling in both arms all the way to my hands. I stayed laying in bed with my arms propped up on pillows at my side and my arms were wrap the first 2 weeks, I would wiggle my fingers and move my hands regularly. My doctor said this was to keep some of the swelling down. Between 3-4 weeks my left arm felt like it was swelled, but it was not. I still had my husband wrap it before I went to bed and in the morning and it felt better. Yes I will have scars but to me they look great. It will be 5 weeks Monday and I still have a little swelling in my left elbow, and that funny feeling like after the dentist numbs you and it is wearing off. If you are swelled real big I would be concern that this is streching the skin out again!!!!!!! Good luck..........Jane
   — Jane T.

April 3, 2004
I had the same thing along the incision when I had my arms done, though not as big as you described. They did go away on their own but it took several weeks.
   — Tawnda C.

April 3, 2004
Hi. Fluid collections (seromas) are by far the most common problem in this type of surgery. I tell my patients they will be a nuisance but rarely are they a problem. They can get infected, so keep an eye out for that. Let your doc see them periodically to make sure they absorb. Most do, and there is rarely an effect on the long-term result. JL
   — DrL

April 3, 2004
Fluid build-up is my name. Monday I will be 6 weeks PO from an extensive lower body lift. I originally had 5 drains in the pubic area. At 3 weeks and 1 day he pulled them even though production in 3 was sky high. He was afraid of infection developing. 3 days later he put in a small (catheter type) drain in the lower abdomen and removed 430 cc's before I ever left the office. Then 3 days later I had another drain put in the left hip and 680cc's were removed before I left. The first drain in the lower abdomen was removed at about 1 week because it wasn't working anymore yet fluid was building up. So another one was put in the same general area and has been in over a week now and is still working fortunately. The one in the hip was removed last Tuesday because the entire drain set-up wasn't working right and somehow air kept expanding the drain itself and therefore it would not suck the fluid out much. Since that was removed on Thursday I've had some slight build-up but it actually seems like it will be okay in that area without another one being put in the hip. However, the fluid has obviously shifted down and the left side of my lower abdomen is definitely collecting some fluid. I see my doc on Wed and he is planning to put in a "real" drain (longer and larger in diameter to once and for all get this stuff out. I think if the drain that is in there now was longer it would get the fluid build-up, but somehow it's not getting to that area. <p>I know when the fluid accumulation occurred in the hip I was in such pain from the pressure. The skin was stretched so tight it was almost like it felt shortly after surgery. It was such a relief to get that fluid out of there. I would definitely pay attention to what is going on and better to bug the doc than end up with bad results long term. It most likely will resolve itself, as 10cc's isn't a lot even for the arm. But if it stays or continues to get larger I'd call. You don't want to have gone through surgery only to end up with less than desirable results. I have been on antibiotics almost constantly since surgery. I am so sick of yeast infections I could scream. I hope this last drain finally does it and we can put this surgery to bed. It's been stretched out a little longer than I had planned. I was originally planning to have my next surgery before May 10th, which was the insurance approvals deadline, but my recovery has been too slow and it's only been the last week or so that I feel back to normal. May 10th is just too close for me. We did manage to get a written extension from BCBS and it gives me another 60 days. Thankgoodness! <Hang in there and don't take no for an answer if you are really concerned. You have to live with the results long term.
   — zoedogcbr

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