TT - How to Know if Fluid Starts and What Happens if Not Treated?

asked 1 year ago by TTNL
Latest answer by Lori H. Saltz, MD
Question viewed 616 times
Tags: fluid

I travelled to have a TT as I had no choice. I am 2 weeks and have a bulge under my belly button which I assume is swelling and know is normal for 2 weeks. Since I have to self diagnose- how would I know if this was seroma or hematoma? Also, if it was fluid, what would be the consequence of not treating either fluid? I plan to see my PS in about 3 months. My binder is really tight above my belly button but quite comfortable below- could this have an impact? I'm questioning whether I'll be flat

5 answers to TT - How to Know if Fluid Starts and What Happens if Not Treated?

Fluid Collection after Tummy Tuck Abroad

Regarding: "TT - How to Know if Fluid Starts and What Happens if Not Treated? I travelled to have a TT as I had no choice. I am 2 weeks and have a bulge under my belly button which I assume is swelling and know is normal for 2 weeks. Since I have to self diagnose- how would I know if this was seroma or hematoma? Also, if it was fluid, what would be the consequence of not treating either fluid? I plan to see my PS in about 3 months. My binder is really tight above my belly button... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Post-operative fluid build up after tummy tuck

I do not think its a post-operative hematoma. If so, it would be purplish or dark and painful. This is most likely a post-operative seroma that is common and can develop from serous fluid accumulation in the lower abdomen. The reason that drains are used typically after a tummy tuck is to drain the fluid that builds up. When they are removed, sometimes fluid will accumulate internally. If it is a small amount, then the body will usually absorb it back on its... more

James F. Boynton, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon

www.BoyntonPlasticSurgery.com

Initial Swelling is common after Tummy Tuck

Swelling under the belly button two weeks after Tummy Tuck surgery is very common. Buildup of a fluid pocket will usually present as a growing area of swelling that is getting bigger day-by-day. A tell-tale sign of a fluid buildup is a "water-bed" motion of the tissue area where a wave of fluid sets up after pushing on the area. From your picture, probably you don't have fluid buildup or what is called a seroma, but it is not possible to tell for sure. In my Denver... more

Nick Slenkovich, MD
Denver Plastic Surgeon

www.ColoradoPlasticSurgery.com

Don't self-diagnose. See a PS

There is a possibility that you just have swelling, but don't rely on self diagnosis alone. You don't mention whether you had drains after surgery, but even if you did it is possible for fluid to build up under the abdominal flap. Tap lightly on one side of your lower abdomen and watch to see if there is a fluid wave across your abdomen (not a jiggle; a wave). If there is then you have a seroma. It needs to be drained. Usually it has to be done more... more

Lori H. Saltz, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

www.ljcsc.com