Abdominoplasty and Seroma?

I had Abdominoplasty 4 weeks ago and for 14 days had about 100 cc's per day in my drainage tube. It reduced to 50 cc's per day during the 3rd week. On day 24 I had a stabbing pain and some stiches had opened. I saw my Dr. immediately. He concluded that the drainage tube may have moved and removed it. That was 5 days ago and today is the first time I can go in to have the fluid removed. My stomach has a huge bulge and I am very concerned. Any opinions on much longer this will go on? Hana

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bulge pain seroma 1 month post-op drainage open wound

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5 Doctor Answers | Asked by Hana59 in Minneapolis

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Abdominoplasty With Post Op Swelling = Seroma

The swelling you are experiencing in your abdomen at about 4 weeks after an abdominoplasty means you have a seroma, a collection of fluid so great that it overwhelms the lymphatic vessels present on your rectus muscles. This collection of fluid accumulates and forms a bulge. If this fluid reaccumulates more than once, then in my practice, I use a small indwelling catherer known as a Seromacath which is then hooked to a standard JP bulb. This catherer system keeps the fluid... more

Seroma after tummy tuck

Seromas may occur after tummy tuck. Once it is aspirated and possibly the drain replaced, it will go on to resolve. Sometimes, more than one aspiration procedure is necessary. It is impossible to predict how long it will take for this to resolve but, rest assured that it will ultimately go on to heal.

Tummy tuck seroma after four weeks, will it stop?

Seroma is not common after tummy tuck, and can depend on technique or other circumstances. Once developed, a seroma should be aspirated, and sometimes if the aspirations become frequent the drain replaced. Over time, all seromas will indeed resolve, though just how long is a guess. Stick with your surgeon and he will see you through.

Seroma

A seroma is a collection of swelling fluid and is relatively common after an abdominoplasty. Usually the fluid will decrease over the first few weeks so that the drains can be removed and no fluid reaccumulates. If the fluid does build up again after the drains are removed, as it may have in your case, then frequent aspirations (removal with a needle) is usually successful. Only in rare instances is re-operation or referral to a radiologist necessary. I know its... more

Abdominoplasty and Seroma

Hana: From the sound of your description you have a seroma. Your surgeon will likely need to aspirate this or place another drain. He or she might consider sclerosing the cavity by adding betadine, tetracycline or alcohol which can encourage the tissues to seal and stop draining.If your surgeon is not familiar with the technique, you might be referred to an interventional radiologist. You are already outside the norm for time of drainage, any guess of future duration will be a... more