Seroma After Full Tummy Tuck: Upper Abs Have Ridge and Odd Looking Skin

I had a full tummy tuck on May 4th.I am a small person to begin with, 106lbs, 5'4", but had 2 kids that left stretch marks, bb mishappen and wrinkled skin.I am now 9 weeks PO and my upper abs have me concerned.As you can see by the photos, the area really sticks out, has a ridge, and the skin is odd looking.The area is squishy, but sore when I push on it.Unfortunately, I have since moved to Saudi Arabia and do not live in Florida where I had the surgery.Is this normal?Will the skin improve?

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abs pain ridges seroma female 5 ft 4 in to 5 ft 7 in 2 months post-op 090-109 lbs causes

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7 Doctor Answers | Asked by KelliAbroad

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Tummy Tuck Surgery

Without an examination, I agree with the rest of the doctors that it is probably a seroma (although a physical examination should let you know for sure what is going on). See if you can get some recommendations for a good doctor in that area to take care of you.

Seroma after tummy tuck

Seromas are complications of tummy tuck and result from fluid collecting under the skin. Very small ones may resolve but larger ones may require aspiration for removal of the fluid. Since you are also having pain in the area you should consult a plastic surgeon near your home for evaluation. Sonograms may help in diagnosing the problem.

Seroma after tummy tuck

A seroma is a collection of fluid underneath the skin that can sometimes occur following a tummy tuck. Although usually in the lower abdomen, it usually feels like a water balloon and from your description it does look like a seroma. The treatment is to aspirate the fluid by drawing it off with a needle. It is likely this will need to be done several times to resolve the seroma. If it does not resolve this way, a drain may need to be inserted and left in for about a week. The... more

Possible seroma after a tummy tuck

This sounds like it could be a collection of fluid under the skin (seroma) which may need to be drained. I would consult with a board certified plastic surgeon for a thorough evaluation. Your still in the early recovery period so there is some swelling expected but if there's a seroma there, it needs to be addressed now. Best wishes, Dr.Bruno

You will need aspiration of the seroma

I would recommend that you see a local plastic surgeon for the seroma aspiration. You may need to have more than one aspiration and also would recommend to wear girdle for external compression.

Kamran Khoobehi, MD

28 reviews

New Orleans Plastic Surgeon

Probable Seroma

It sounds as though you have a seroma. You need to see an MD there for an ultrasouns and or aspiration.

Seroma after tummy tuck

This does appear to be a seroma (particularly if it feels like a "waterbed" or fluid-filled bag), which is a collection of fluid beneath your abdominal flap. It should be drained so that it does not leave a chronically thickened scar tissue lined cavity that will cause fullness in that area. If this scar tissue fullness forms, it may require surgical removal to restore a flat contour. The first approach at this point should be attempts to aspirate the fluid, which may... more