Fluid Buildup After Mastectomy and Reconstruction: Is This Normal?

Maybe it would depend on how much fluid he/she is having to drain? Is he/she seeing a reduction in volume with each needle/syringe drainage?

At my appointment today, the nurse practitioner gave me the explanation my doctor didn’t. He did the filling of the expanders and the extraction of the fluid both today. Each week he will do this. As the expanders fill up the area, the fluid will be less because there will be less empty space. Thank you so much for your reply. I appreciate it!💕

After my mastectomy of left breast in October, 2 drains were filled with fluid each day for 3 weeks. Dr removed them but had to aspirate wound twice and then put a drain back in. It took 11 weeks and a sclerotic procedure for wound to stop draining, but it finally did. Be patient. Everybody is different.

Fluid accumulation after mastectomy and reconstruction can happen as the body heals, though it's understandable to feel concerned about ongoing drainage needs. Many patients in this community have shared similar experiences with post-surgical fluid buildup, and connecting with others who've been through reconstruction might help ease some worries while you work closely with your surgical team to monitor your healing progress.