Seroma to Lower Back After Tummy Tuck and Lipo... What Can I Do?

I am 16 days post op from a full tummy tuck, lipo, and fat transfer to the buttocks. I had some complications, ended up needing 7 units of blood. Anyway, I seem to be healing, but I am concerned about excessive swelling in my lower back. It is spongy to the touch, and feels like a water balloon. I'm sure it's a seroma. The problem is, since I had my surgery in Florida, no doctors back here in PA (where I live) want to help me with this complication. What do I do? The swelling and 'sponginess' is very bad!

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back buttocks seroma swelling 2 weeks post-op choosing a surgeon complication

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9 Doctor Answers | Asked by Vicki4449 in Pennsylvania

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Seroma post lipo

This is always a difficul;t question what to do.I would ask your surgeon who did the procedure if he has a friend or colleague he knows who might assit you.you can always go to the er and they will refer you to a plastic surgeon.

Complications after large surgery far from home.

Patients who travel far from home to have surgery often do not consider the issues that could occur should there be a complication. Sometimes the only recourse is to present to the emergency room for care. The first step should be to stay in close contact with the operating surgeon in Florida. If it is financially impossible for you to continue follow up with this surgeon, perhaps they know a colleague in your area they can refer you to.

David Bogue, MD

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Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon

www.drbogue.com

Multiple significant problems following tummy tuck and liposuction performed in another state

Sorry that you had and have such significant problems following your surgery that also, unfortunately, was done long distance and is is presenting with additional but predictable issues. What type of doctor performed your surgery? Were they board certified? Losing 7 units of blood is more than unusual. Regarding your present issue, you need to contact the surgery in Florida who performed your surgery and seek resolution of your problem. That may involve flying back down there or having... more

Complications after tummy tuck and liposuction

It is hard to comment without examining you. The sponginess may be due to swelling, seroma, or hematoma. If the area of swelling increases and discomfort does not subside, you may need intervention. I would encourage you to go back to your plastic surgeon or whether he can give you a referral to a plastic surgeon nearby you.

Complications following surgery far from home - What to do

Complications following surgery in a different part of the country or world is unfortunately a familiar scenario these days and I am so sorry you are having such a tough time. Surgery done far away and now complications after any surgery is scary to the patient and problematic. I would recommend that you contact your surgeon. He/she will recommend that either you return for their personal treatment or else will most likely contact a colleague close to where you live and... more

Seroma After Liposuction & Tummy Tuck, And Traveling A Long Distance For Surgery

Sorry to hear about your unfortunate situation. No one expects complications to occur, but your story helps to illustrate that many plastic surgical procedures are significant and need to be taken seriously. Because patients don’t expect complications to occur, most never consider the possibility that they may feel isolated if they have to deal with a complication after traveling to have surgery in another state or country. Many surgeons do not want to help the unfortunate patients... more

Complications after Tummy Tuck Surgery done Long Distance?

Thank you for the question. I'm sorry to hear about the complication you have experienced. You really only have 2 good choices: 1. Return to see your surgeon in Florida for definitive diagnosis and treatment. 2. Ask your plastic surgeon (Florida) to make contact and ask for assistance from a plastic surgeon in your area. Often this communication from one plastic surgeon to another will be effective and allow you to be taking care of in your home state. Best wishes. more

Long distance complication

I am sorry to hear about your complication. It does illustrate a difficulty in having surgery elsewhere. Have you been in contact with your Florida surgeon? If physicians in Pennsylvania are reluctant to take on another doctor's postop complications, you should consider presenting to the emergency room. I must say that I have never personally had a patient who required transfusion, not to mention 7 units, and cannot understand why you either chose or were permitted to return home after... more

Seroma or swelling

The first thing I would ask is, have you spoken to your surgeon? Even if you're that far away I'm sure they would want to have contact with you. What arrangements did they make with you for any post-op care? It sound like you went through quite an ordeal to have required 7units of blood. If you truly have a seroma it needs to be drained. Perhaps your primary care doctor can assist you in finding care closer to home. A direct referral can sometimes help.... more