Bruising, hard-like ball swelling continues after removal of Hematoma after TT?

Question

I am 16 days post TT. Right after surgery, some type of indentation showed on what is now a right side with a ball- like swollen area and bruised. My ps removed about 15-20 cc of very dark fluid yesterday and said I had a hematoma. My concern was also that the bruised area seemed as if the skin had been glued to underlying tissue, not giving in to gentle push or pull of the skin. Today, the "ball" remains the same size, still hard. Opinions please?

Larry C. Leverett, MD, FACS · Answer

It is likely that the hematoma has recurred .It tends to recur initially but it gets smaller each time. It is also very important that you avoid platelet thinning meds such as aspirin, ibuprofen, systemic vitamin E and vitamin E containing  multivitamins.

Pablo Prichard, MD · Answer

Thank you for your post.  Seromas can be painful and cause a cosmetic deformity, as well as sometimes leak.  The whole point of drains is to keep a seroma from happening in the first place.  If a drainless procedure was performed, and you had a seroma, or you had drains that were pulled and you subsequently had a seroma, then you should be drained, otherwise a capsule builds around the fluid making it permanent.  If a capsule builds around the seroma (pseudo bursa or encapsulated seroma) then the only way to remove the seroma is to surgically open the areas and excise the capsule, and close over drains to prevent another seroma from happening.  If the seroma is encapsulated and is tight and painful, then it can be confused with just swelling or fat.  An ultrasound is useful in distinguishing these and identifying the extent of the seroma. If the seroma is not yet encapsulated, then it is usually loose and has a 'fluid wave' or water bed type feel.  Occasionally, a seroma can also become infected, especially if a permanent braided suture was used.  This will have a hot, red appearance, and will eventually open up.  I have never seen an infection from sterile aspiration of fluid.  If seromas continue despite multiple aspirations over an extended period of time, then you need to start thinking about re-openning the incision and excising the entire capsule, both from and back walls, to treat the seroma.  Drains need to be placed, internal sutures placed, possibly using a tissue glue or irritant to encourage the tissues to grow together.Best wishes,Pablo Prichard, MD

Jaime Campos Leon, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.You should always speak to your PS, this is a matter of a physical evaluation to determine treatment.Dr. Campos

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

as he was there during your procedure and knows the anatomy, any difficulties encountered, and what technique was used for closure.  Remember that your surgeon wants the absolute best result for you too and your surgoen should help guide you through the recovery process.

Robert Whitfield, MD · Answer

Please see your surgeon again.  the types of situations will arise in body contouring.  Close follow up and treatment with your surgeon will be necessary.

Bruising, hard-like ball swelling continues after removal of Hematoma after TT?

Answers (9)

Answer: Your surgeon knows best as to what is happening

Answer: Your surgeon knows best as to what is happening

Answer: Tummy tuck

Answer: Tummy tuck

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Bruising, hard-like ball swelling continues after removal of Hematoma after TT?

Answers (9)

Answer: Your surgeon knows best as to what is happening

Answer: Your surgeon knows best as to what is happening

Answer: Tummy tuck

Answer: 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.