2d post surgery, fluid build up

[fix_it]

I had surgery on Wednesday and on Thursday morning my surgeon noticed there was some fluid build up on right side.  I do not have any drains installed.  I wear the compression garment (Underarmor post-surg 2x) and a band and now it seems the skin above the band has fluid under it since if I press on one side it goes down and the other side seems to rise.  I see my surgeon Tuesday night.  Can anyone tell me what is going to happen with this fluid?  I'm very bruised too but that is a less concern:  surgery was for excision and lipo.

[Dr. Elliot Jacobs]

Your surgeon will be best able to decide the proper course of treatment.  In general, if there is minimal fluid, one can just watch it and it should diminish over time.  If there is a larger volume, then the doctor may want to remove it with a syringe.  If this is the case, don't worry about pain -- the skin is numb and you won't even feel the needle.

If there is a collection of blood, then sometimes the doctor will want to remove it with a needle -- but he may have to wait a few days until the clotted blood (which you cannot remove with a syringe) becomes liquified (usually around 7-10 days after surgery.)

Dr Jacobs

[fix_it]

Thank you Dr. Jacobs, your words are reassuring.  Even if it is a bad case of fluid build up then it looks simple, just a needle.   Thanks again.