Sclerosing a Seroma Post Tummy Tuck with Lipo?

My doctor drained my fluid build up and then injected a liquid into the seroma and drained it back out im not sure what the liquid was but after two more drainings my seroma went away now the area where the seroma was is very hard and indented compared to the rest of my stomach i was wondering why this has happened and if it will go away

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5 Doctor Answers | Asked by tasha11 in chicago, Illinois

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Abdominal Wall Hardness After Seroma Obliteration

Seromas post abdominoplasty are a known complication. The use of a sclerosing agent is sometimes necessary and this can lead to hard, indented areas on the skin above the sclerosed area. The drainage plus schlerosing agent allows the cavity to scar shut. In my practice, I allow 8 to 10 days to elapse before I begin ultrasound (this is the same therapeutic ultrasound that the physical therapist uses to get rid of sore muscles). Ultrasound converts sound... more

Seroma post abdominoplasty

Seroma is a difficult problem to resolve. The best way is to prevent it. When it occurs, one tries to sclerose it frequently with an antibiotic of the tetracycline family. This whole process is going to involve significant inflammation and scarring deep in the tissue and be manifested by hardness and skin irregularity. Fortunately, with a lot of time and patience most of it will resove itself, if not completely but I would say 80% so later if a touch up is needed it will be small and simple. more

Sclerosing a seroma cavity

It sounds like your surgeon injected a a sclerosing agent into the seroma cavity. This may causes some fibrosis as it seals. Give it time to settle down.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Scarring after tummy tuck seroma is difficult to correct.

Hi. Hard to be specific without seeing you, but in general this is not the kind of thing that is easy to improve with a revision. Time will help somewhat.

Sclerosing agents for abdominoplasty seromas

It is likely that the fluid that was infiltrated into the seroma was doxycycline which is commonly used agent used to help in cases of recurrent or problematic seromas. I am sure that there other sclerosing agents, but none with which I am familiar. Regardless, the hard and indented areas are likely areas of scarring below the skin. Without an exam, it would be difficult to be certain, but the issues will likely improve significantly over time with aggressive massage of the hardened tissues.... more