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Could Distended Lower Abs After Tummy Tuck Be A Seroma?

asked 5 months ago by C23 in Tx
Latest answer by William Loutfy, MD
Question viewed 318 times
Tags: 1 month post-op, aftercare, distention, seroma, side effects, swelling

I am 5 weeks post tummy tuck. My upper abs are very flat but right below my incision is extremely distended . It's as though I have a donut around my belly. My PS says this is where the swelling naturally travels but I keep wondering if it is a seroma. I cannot find pictures of a seroma on the web. the area is even all the way around . I cannot fit into my old clothes and am worried. Please help.

6 answers to Could Distended Lower Abs After Tummy Tuck Be A Seroma?

+2

Fluid feel of seroma after tummy tuck

A seroma will feel full and heavy and typically have a fluid wave as you tap over the full area. Swelling is more stiff and spongy. If there is doubt your surgeon can aspirate the area to see if a fluid collection is present. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd.com
Peter E. Johnson, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+2

Swelling after Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Thank you for the question. As always, it is best to be seen in person ( by your plastic surgeon) for precise diagnosis and treatment. Abdominal wall "swelling" after tummy tuck may be related to: 1. Swelling in the soft tissues. This may take several months to resolve and may worsen with increased activity or at the end of the day. Patience is required to allow for resolution of the swelling. The swelling occurs because of the interruption of... more
Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon

www.poustiplasticsurgery.com

+2

Distended after tummy tuck

It is perfectly normal to have some swelling at this stage, however you could very well have a seroma. It is impossible to say without seeing you. A seroma is a fluid collection that will often feel water balloon like when you push on it. Sometimes you can push on one side and feel a wave of fluid move around the tummy. I would have your surgeon look at it because I don't think photos will tell you one way or another. Good luck!
Tiffany McCormack, MD

Reno Plastic Surgeon

www.plasticsurgeryrenotahoe.com

+1

Seroma?

It is possible, but less likely at 5 to 6 weeks after surgery. Positioning , garment use, and activity levels all can affect the swelling -and therefore early appearance of your abdomen at this time frame. I f you see a "wave' under the swollen area when you push on the skin- then it may be a seroma. Best to follow up with your surgeon.
William Loutfy, MD

Albuquerque Plastic Surgeon

acfps.com

+1

Seroma

If you have a seroma in the lower abdomen, there is often a fluid shift that is palpable. You may even be able to shake and feel fluid move around.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Seroma?

This could represent normal swelling or a seroma. If it is flatter in the morning, but distends more during the day, it is more likely swelling. If it stays the same during the day, it may be a seroma. A fluid wave as described below indicates a seroma. An ultrasound can be done if there is a question. Sometimes in people with thicker tissue, it is difficult to feel a fluid wave and they can have a seroma that is difficult to diagnose.
Donald Griffin, MD

Nashville Plastic Surgeon

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