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6 Weeks Post-Op Tummy Tuck, When Can I Expect The Seroma To Disappear?

asked 9 months ago by New Me Rodrigues in Ottawa, ON
Latest answer by Tom J. Pousti, MD
Question viewed 201 times
Tags: 6 weeks post-op, seroma

Five weeks post tummy tuck, my doc. aspirated 50 ml of serum. I feel I am still accumulating fluid in the same area. Apart from the seroma, I am doing great and have been going for daily one hour walks as tomorrow will make 6 weeks. When can I expect the seroma to disappear? I will be flying 10 weeks post surgery and will be going to another country for a total knee replacement. What should I do? Should I postpone the TKR?

8 answers to 6 Weeks Post-Op Tummy Tuck, When Can I Expect The Seroma To Disappear?

+1

Tummy Tuck and Seroma?

Thank you for the question. Unfortunately, if a seroma develops after tummy tuck surgery several aspirations may be necessary before it resolves. Rarely, it is necessary to place a drain to help resolve the seroma. Unfortunately, no one can predict exactly when the seroma will resolve. Best wishes. see video
Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon

www.poustiplasticsurgery.com

+1

Seroma and time to resolution

Hello, Since every body and every tummy tuck is different the exact time that your seroma will remain is hard to know with certainty. We do know that the more frequently it is drained and the more the compression is worn the quicker it will resolve. All the best, Dr. Remus Repta
Remus Repta, MD

Phoenix Plastic Surgeon
+1

Seroma after tummy tuck

Hello, Seroma after tummy tuck is rare in all but the largest cases. Aspiration or drain placement usually works. Occasionally they can be treated with an injection to encourage them to scar in. There is no one treatment that woks for all. Stay close to your surgeon. Best Regards, John Di Saia MD
John P. Di Saia, MD

Orange Plastic Surgeon
+1

6 Weeks Post-Op Tummy Tuck, When Can I Expect The Seroma To Disappear?

Thanks for the question. SMALL post operative seromas can be treated via needle aspiration q week. I also recommend compression and ultrasound therapy. Plan on the trip but be aware anything can happen. Also have a Rx of antibiotics available.
Darryl J. Blinski, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

Seroma after tummy tuck

Aspiration of any seroma fluid and pressure garment is the answer. It is diffficult to determine an exact time for complete resolution since every case is unique. Donald R. Nunn MD Atlanta Plastic Surgeon.
Donald Nunn, MD, DDS

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Seroma After Tummy Tuck

Seromas occur in a small percentage of patients after a tummy tuck and almost all will resolve with needle aspiration, as you have had done, although most will require repeated aspiration. Have the seroma aspirated at least once a week, twice a week if it re-accumulates more quickly, and it should be gone in the next 6 weeks. Continuing the compression garment will help because you need the surfaces of the seroma pocket to heal together and compression helps.
Joseph Fata, M.D.

Indianapolis Plastic Surgeon
+1

Seroma with tumy tuck

I agree with the last post, frequent aspiration takes care of it most of the time. I would also continue to wear your compression garment and stay on a low salt diet. Your doc may even consider a diuretic for one week. Last, limit your activity as this can increase fluid production as well. Good luck!
Tiffany McCormack, MD

Reno Plastic Surgeon

www.plasticsurgeryrenotahoe.com

+1

Persistant seroma

Persistent seromas can happen occasionally. They are best handled with frequent aspiration, i.e. every few days, until they go away. If that doesn't work a small catheter placed by needle in the office will usually work if left in for a week. Beyond that some more sophisticated procedures may, rarely , be required. I would not cancel the TKR at this point. All the best, Talmage J. Raine MD FACS
Talmage J. Raine, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

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