Chronic Seroma after Tummy Tuck

I developed a seroma after having a large tummy tuck. Dr. placed drains back in, and I continued to drain for one month. Then he took me back to surgery and removed a large seroma pocket which extened my entire tummy.

He also placed new drains and I have been wearing my binder two weeks after this procedure I am still draining about 200cc/day total (4 drains). What should I do?

2 answers to “Chronic Seroma after Tummy Tuck”

A: Everything Sounds Right

Christopher L. Hess, MD

Your surgeon clearly understands the nature of seromas.  He took you back to the OR because the seroma cavity will start to get a rind or start of a capsule with will impede the recovery. It's often just a matter of time for the fluid to slow down.  Remember it's that the body has to reestablish the... more

A: Sounds like your doctor is managing seroma correctly

Brooke R. Seckel, MD

Your doctor is managing the seroma correctly. Hopefully, in time, the drainage will continue to decrease until it is small enough to remove the drains. Occaisionally, after very prolonged periods of drainage, a membrane can form around the seroma and prevent closure of the pocket. I am sure your doctor was... more

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