A seroma is not rare after a tummy tuck. In fact, it is the most common complication in some series (10%). In order to minimize these numbers, it is always best to leave a drain in you for long enough until the output is less than 25cc per day. This usually takes 7-10 days after surgery and longer in patients who have had massive weight loss. Doing this, I haven't had to drain a seroma in the last three years.
Seromas are harmless and won't alter your result as long as they don't get infected. Serial aspirations and occasional replacement of a drain will almost always resolve them.
You know if you still have a drainable seroma if you tap on the side of your lower abdomen and a fluid wave like a water bed flows across the abdomen to the other side. If you aren't sure, just go back to your doctor and they will take care of you.
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