Seroma after tummy tuck. If drainage is necessary, will I need to be fully under, or do they numb it with an injection? (Photo)

Question

I have previously had ultra sound to discover a 61 x 12 x 51mm fluid collection in subcutaneous tissues in lower abdominal wall. Im almost 6 months post and my tummy below the belly button (had a mini tuck) is not flat. I want to get another scan done to see what's the current situation. If drainage is necessary will i need to be fully under or do they just numb it with an injection? What is the recovery time frame and will or should it then become flat? Thanks

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

There are different ways to address a seroma.  Often they are drained in the office with a needle and syringe.  This is typically painless or mildly uncomfortable. You will not need to be put under anesthesia.  At times the seroma may require multiple aspiration sessions if it recurs.  For a persistent seroma your surgeon may elect to place a temporary drain to collect the seroma fluid.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello. Great question. I am sorry for your post op difficulties. You will not need to be fully under for drainage. Keep following your surgeon's post op instructions.

Michael S. Lofgren, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question and photos.
Sorry to hear that you are having issues with your recent surgery.  Seroma formation following a tummy tuck is a rather common occurrence.  Many will resolve on their own.  If large enough and persistent, drainage is the way to treat them.  This can be done under local anesthetic.  You should see an immediate improvement in the contour of your abdomen if the collection is significant.  Recovery is dependent on the exact treatment used by your surgeon.  If they need to place a new drain it may stay in for a few weeks.  If they simply aspirate (drain) the fluid but do not leave a drain, recovery is minimal.  Usually some soreness for a few hours.  In my practice a simple aspiration of the fluid under local, followed by compression garments would be the first line of treatment.
Be sure to follow up with your surgeon.
Best wishes.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Usually, the fluid is just drained in the office with a small needle. If the fluid reoccurs, it will need to be drained again, or even have a drain inserted. All this can be done in the office under local anesthesia.

Derby Sang Caputo, MD · Answer

thank you for your question and the photo. It is very common in the post operative process to develop a seroma. Most of them go away by themselves and others need to be drained with a needle. This is not painful on thre contrary mosg patients feel instant relief after draining. Best of luck

Seroma after tummy tuck. If drainage is necessary, will I need to be fully under, or do they numb it with an injection? (Photo)

Answers (5)