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Pseudo-bursa? Procedure & Recovery. 8 Months Out From TT? (photo)

8 months out from a Tummy Tuck with about 12 needle aspirations for persistent seromas. Very uncomfortable scar tissue and my belly is distended 8" with a water balloon wave and hard knots. The surface is uneven and I am MISERABLE! I've gone back to my doc over the months & keep being told to wait for it to get better. I'm going back tomorrow & am scared, sad & frustrated. Would an ultrasound show what's going on rather than blind aspirations. Do I insist on surgery to fix it or go elsewhere?

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3 Doctor Answers | Asked by Scared in Louisville

Doctor Answers (3)
Community Comments (3)

Pseudo-bursa? 8 Months Out From TT

Thank for the question, sorry for the problem you are having. At this late stage it will probably be most effective to have the pseudo-bursa (the pocket that has formed which contains the fluid) excised. This procedure is done in the operating room under anesthesia, and is similar in magnitude to the original tummy tuck. I cannot tell from the narrative if either of the following has been tried: Placement of a drain, and compression Sclerosis--insertion of a... more

Pseudobursa after tummy tuck

Hello, Thank you for the question and the photo. It sounds like you have a "pseudobursa". A pseudobursa is scar tissue that has formed around a seroma (most often). If the pseudobursa is thick and or there is persistent fluid within it it will cause a fullness or bulge to be present. Although there are some who recommend liposuction or injection of the pseudobursa as an attempt to make it less obvious the only full correction and often the best way to take care of... more

Pseudo-bursa? Procedure & Recovery. 8 Months Out From TT?

Sure obtain a scan or a non invasive sonogram to demonstrate if there is a "sac" or is it a lax muscle repair.

Comments (3)

hope06
4 months ago

Thank u for helpful follow-up, I'm currently struggling w my results and certainly needed to read about a positive outcome. I'm going through the same thing, I'm having ultrasound by my primary Dr. soon. Hope all is well w u and u finally have the flat tummy u deserve!

Scared in Louisville
10 months ago

Had a revision surgery by the same surgeon two days ago. He said that the sac that was removed was about the size of an 8" salad plate and about 1/8" thick of scar tissue. I am all wrapped up again with fresh drains and restrictive garments. I'm being much more careful with these drains and hope they stay in longer than last time.

Scared in Louisville
10 months ago

Went back to the doctor and he agreed with me that this is a pseudo bursa and it's not going to really go away unless there is surgical intervention. They drained off a bunch of fluid and it was dark dark red instead of clearer like aspirations were months ago. The doctor scheduled me for surgery Monday, so I am relieved and hopeful this pseudo bursa gets removed nicely and never returns! Total extra cost: $850 -- $350 for anesthesia and $500 for "facilities". No physician's charge. Will post the "after" pictures later!

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