Can my hematoma come back after it was drained?

Question

I had a TT with MR and lipo on May 15. I had 2 drains removed at 6 days post op. At the time of removal both drains were still blood, albeit it was thinner than PO day 1. It was not pinkish, still red. This weekend I noticed my lower abdomen was like the "waterbed" described on this site. Called PS and had a syringe and a half of dark/black blood removed. Instantly saw a difference. Since coming home, i feel it's filling up again? Is this possible? Should I wait a couple of days or contact PS?

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD, FACS · Answer

Even though a hematoma can theoretically return, it's highly unlikely unless there is repeat trauma to the area or if there is a bleeding blood vessel that requires surgery to fix.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

It is possible that you can have  several hematomas. This will be due to ongoing bleeding but it sounds like you have  a seroma with a small mixture of blood. This needs to be remedied.  I would advise you to return to your plastic surgeon for immediate evaluation and treatment.

Robert Stroup, Jr., MD, FACS · Answer

Fluid collection requiring drainage after tummy tuck is very common.  From you description, it sounds like you had a seroma which was tinged with old blood, i.e., not ongoing active bleeding.  Generally, if it is new blood and mostly blood, it would be bright red and thick or clotted.  I recommend you contact your Plastic Surgeon and describe the situation.  He/she will know the proper course of action to take.  If it is a seroma, as I suspect, it is not uncommon for several aspirations to be needed before it no longer recurs.  Good luck.

Eric Desman, MD · Answer

Yes indeed you can re-collect fluid after it has been drained. You should contact your plastic surgeon and make an appointment to be seen. Fluid collection after abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is one of the most common side effects of surgery. I routinely need to drain the fluid collections multiple times before they completely resolve. Good luck.

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

Yes it is possible, and indeed not uncommon to have a recurrence of a hematoma.  Now is the time to call your surgeon, and allow the timing of the visit to the surgeon's judgement based upon his discussion with you.  All the best.

Can my hematoma come back after it was drained?

Answers (5)

Answer: Can my hematoma come back after it was drained?

Answer: Can my hematoma come back after it was drained?

Answer: Hematoma

Answer: Hematoma

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.

Can my hematoma come back after it was drained?

Answers (5)

Answer: Can my hematoma come back after it was drained?

Answer: Can my hematoma come back after it was drained?

Answer: Hematoma

Answer: Hematoma

Browse related questions

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.