Seroma in the sacral area after Liposuction?

Question

I had trumecent liposuction of the outer thighs, flanks, and sacral. Also had a tummy tuck Feb 16th. Their is fluid filled in the sacral area. Dr aspirated Wednesday and the next day their was fluid build up again? What can I do to get rid of this? Is this dangerous? Is this normal? I'm worried, please help!!

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

A full tummy tuck with liposuction at the same time will certainly put you at a high risk for fluid under the tummy tuck skin (seroma). The literature is complete with this information. The science is the science. This is a risky combination. The incidence of seroma formation is about 16.0 percent in the abdominoplasty-alone group and 31.2 percent in the abdominoplasty with liposuction group.The combination of abdominoplasty and liposuction procedures can still overwhelm the body's ability to resist these shear forces by the fact that more surface area is available to “shear” and thus produce seroma fluid. Not so much as an additive effect but synergistically, such that the seroma fluid from the flanks flows into the adjacent abdominal space and resists the ability of the upper abdominal flap to close over the abdominal wall. Patients must be counseled about their risk for seroma formation and treatments aimed at resolving them including frequent postoperative visits for needle drainage and the rare case requiring operative drainage in the face of a persistent seroma.At this point your best bet is repeated aspiration, compression, and rest.

George Bitar, MD · Answer

Fluid collections or seromas are not uncommon after body contouring surgery.  They usually respond to aspiration and compression.  If resistant to treatment, a drain could be placed percutaneously, and in rare instances, irritants can be injected to create an inflammatory response that will speed healing and obliteration of the pocket.  Please be reassured, that this is a frequent problem, but is readily solved, and should not compromise the outcome of your surgery.  Best of luck!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This can be treated with frequency aspirations but compression, radiofrequency and lymphatic massage help significantly speed up the healing.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Excess fluid can occur after liposuction and after the tuck. I would suggest let your physician drain you at least weekly. If the amounts are not decreasing each time, you may need a drain. Do wear your compression garments and avoid abdominal exercises and running.

Keith Denkler, MD · Answer

The combo of tummy tuck and liposuction is allowing fluid to build up.A suction drain can be placed to remove the excess fluid an help heal the internal healing edges together.

Seroma in the sacral area after Liposuction?

Answers (5)

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