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Solution for Prolonged Abdominal Swelling After Tummy Surgery?

I had tummy tuck surgery on 12/26/08. I lost a drain 10 days after, then my right side started swelling. My dr. did additional surgery after 1mo to repair my navel and replace the drain. He said I had a seroma, but after surgery, he said it wasn't a seroma. He removed the drains 1mo later.

The swelling never got better but extended to the left side and pubic area. I have no pain, just discomfort from pressure. Intercourse is painful. He said he'd do lipo after 6mos, but I'm afraid it won't help... what can I do?

Asked 35 months ago by danzalone in Independence, Louisiana

Tags:

abdomen swelling

Surgical Options after Tummy Tuck

Thanks for the question - Based on your picture (and please note that a complete history and physical and report of your two previous surgeries would be required for a final plan) it appears that a re-do abdominoplasty would be a good option for you. Here's why: It appears that you have some additional skin, you have a scar beneath the umbilicus that would be removed with a repeat abdominoplasty and scar tissue from your seroma/hematoma could be addressed. In addition you may benefit from... more

Steven H. Williams, MD

San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Uneven swelling in lower abdomen after tummy tuck

It is truly difficult to assess your condition from the information given and it appears that your surgeon never provided you with an explanation for the swelling. From his/her recommendation, it sounds as if it is due to fat deposits as indicated from their advice for staged liposuction at a later date which may be a reasonable approach. see video

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Abdominopalsty problem

It is hard to say what the problem is at this point. It could be a persistent seroma or something else. It should be evlauated.

Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Get a second opinion- this can be fixed!

Tummy tucks are a very popular and effective way to contour the abdomen. Patients who receive this procedure should anticipate a significant recovery which will consist of discomfort, bruising, and prolonged swelling. It is possible that the component of your persistent swelling may be a collection of fluid or blood that occurred after the surgery. Your body may have created some scar tissue around his collection, making the swelling worse. If this is the case, you should work with a... more

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B. Pat Pazmino, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Get a second opinion

It is difficult to tell exactly what is going on from the photos, but from the history it certainly seems like you developed a seroma. I agree that additional surgery, which would include a revision of the abdominoplasty with liposuction for better contour is indicated, but I would probably get an ultrasound of the abdomen before surgery.