Where should I go to drain a tummy tuck seroma?

Question

I had my tummy tuck surgery in Miami, however I live in Atlanta. I have developed a seroma. I need to know if there is and Atlanta Plastic surgeon that will drain the fluid? Or if I should go to the ER, to see if they will drain it? Also how long can I keep the Saromas before it turns into an infection?

Mahlon Kerr, MD, FACS · Answer

This is the trouble with having a large procedure in another state.  Seromas should be managed with aspiration.  This is usually done every few days or at least once a week.  Waiting can cause healing issues and possibly cause the seroma to become chronic.  I would suggest calling a few plastic surgeons in your area, I have handled  this  issue for other patients and used their medical insurance, alternatively you might be able to arrange out if pocket payments.  An urgent care or ER will not no how to handle the seroma and result in major costs in my past experience.  Best of luck, Dr K

Stanley Okoro, MD · Answer

Seroma after tummy tuck can happen. Seroma are usually not a medical emergency. It can be drained in the office. We offer a service to drain these in the office for a small fee. You should however inform your plastic surgeon of your issue. We like to communicate with the original surgeon for the best patient care.

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

If you have developed seroma, it needs to be addressed soon in order to avoid your body forming capsule around the seroma.  If not, this will then become a chronic problem.  Contact your local plastic surgeon who will aspirate the fluid.

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

If you have developed seroma, it needs to be addressed soon in order to avoid your body forming capsule around the seroma.  If not, this will then become a chronic problem.  Contact your local plastic surgeon who will aspirate the fluid.

Vasdev Rai, MD · Answer

Such seroma shoud be drained as soon as possible.  If ignored they can form a capsule around them and become chronic.  In that case they may even require surgical treatment. Of course since seroma fluid is rich in proteins it can get infected by bacteria.

	You should call your surgeon and seek his recommendation about whom you can see locally.  Emergency rooms are not experienced in this regard.

Where should I go to drain a tummy tuck seroma?

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Where should I go to drain a tummy tuck seroma?

Answers (7)

Answer: Seroma after tummy tuck

Answer: Seroma after tummy tuck

Answer: Post operative Seroma after Tummy Tuck

Answer: Post operative Seroma after Tummy Tuck

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.