Will my hips now appear deformed due to my seroma?

Question

It has been 3 weeks since I had vaser liposuction to abdomen and hips in Thailand. A seroma developed after I returned from Thailand. I seeked an aspiration once I became uncomfortable (2 weeks after surgery). 530cc was removed! The fluid sat across my abdomen and moved across my hips towards back. I swapped my garment for a tighter one. Now my skin has bonded over my hips in lines/creases where the serous fluid once was (creating lumps). I am worried that this is permanent.

Edwin Ishoo, MD · Answer

This is exactly why you should not have surgery away from where you are and where you can easily return to for followup as needed. When serums develop, which occur often, they must be managed aggressively with aspiration. Also, its not a good idea to keep tightening the guar met as you will constrict the recovering lymphatics and delay healing. I'm afraid the likelihood for deformity is high in your case.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Good medical care involves the ability to take care of complications after surgery. The standard of care in terms of the treatment of seromas is serial aspirations. A single aspiration is usually not sufficient and will generally not have much impact. Seromas that are not properly drained repeatedly can develop into chronic seromas. When this happens, a membrane or capsule develops along the linings of the fluid collection. The capsule inhibits the surfaces to stick together, and this can cause that seroma to become permanent.At this point, draining the seroma with aspirations is no longer sufficient, and this seroma may need to be surgically excised. Compression garments will not help eliminate a seroma. VASER has a proven higher incidence in terms of patients developing seromas than other forms of liposuction, though the majority of patients do not get seromas after liposuction. Taking care of other doctors' complications, especially when patients have chosen to have them in other countries because of discounted pricing, can be frustrating. Most plastic surgeons are here to serve patients and will be happy to help someone in need. You need to find a plastic surgeon who can take care of you until this is resolved. Understanding the context and being respectful and appreciative can go along way in establishing a relationship with the doctor to help you get through this situation.Best of luck, Mats Hagstrom M.D.

Will my hips now appear deformed due to my seroma?

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Will my hips now appear deformed due to my seroma?

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Everything you need to know about Vaser Liposuction

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