As other physicians have said here, seromas or not uncommon after surgery. Those of us with low rates of postoperative seromas usually leave drains in following abdominal surgery for a longer period of time. Once a seroma forms, percutaneous aspiration is the usual therapy as you've described. It is also true... more
How long will a seroma last after tummy tuck and liposuction?
I had tummy tuck surgery combined with liposuction 40 days ago, and although I am pleased with how I look as I have got my body back to what it used to be, I have also developed a seroma.
One week after surgery my doctor determined I had a seroma and for the two weeks following he has been taking this fluid away by syringe every day. It has now been three weeks since he took the last syringe of fluid and my doctor has now advised me that my body will remove the small amount of remaining fluid itself.
It's now been six weeks since my surgery and although I feel well I am still worried that there may be some remaining fluid, which could be harmful to me. Can anyone tell me how long a seroma should last and how I should examine myself to ensure there is no remaining fluid?
4 answers to “How long will a seroma last after...”
A: Seroma duration
Thanks for the question. Seromas are a common problem after tummy tuck. Drains that are typically placed at the time of the surgery help reduce the amount of seroma. Even in abdomens that look flat after abdominoplasty there is typically some amount of fluid under the flaps. When this fluid is palpable or... more
A: A seroma is mainly a nuisance and not dangerous
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... more
A: This is a common problem
Seromas occur fairly commonly after abdominoplasty and are usually treated just as your doctor did. The can either be drained with a needle over and over until they go away or a drain can be placed. The very small amount of fluid that your doctor told you would resolve should absorb rather quickly. ... more
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