Is this a bursa or seroma, or just a blister? (Photo)

I suspect that you got a localized hematoma from the trauma you had postoperatively. These can become infected later and that may be what is starting to happen. If the redness progresses or you start looking like the incision is going to open, see your surgeon again as it may need drainage.

Make sure to keep your follow ups with your plastic surgeon, or call sooner to be seen if you think things are not improving like you anticipate. With the redness, pain and tenderness, one needs to be vigilant for infection.

Is it tender?  There appears to be erythema (redness), induration (swelling). Do you feel a fluid wave signaling a fluid collection under the skin? It looks like an infected seroma or hematoma. This should be aspirated, and the fluid cultured determining whether you need antibiotics, and whether a drain needs to be placed, in the case of an abscess. Good luck. Daniel Golshani, M.D., Beverly Hills.

Hi there,An ultrasound +/- needle aspiration will quickly give you the answer you need. I would suggest returning to see  your plastic surgeon ask is best for him/her to be driving the investigation.All the best,James

The problem may represent a hematoma (collection of blood under the skin) or a seroma (collection of serum under the skin).  The redness may represent an infection such as an abscess (infection of the fluid) or cellulitis (an infection of the overlying skin).  Whatever the cause or diagnosis, close followup and care are required to treat the problem.  

Appears as an early infected swelling or fluid area. Best to be seen again today for proper care.......

It looks like that fluid pocket (seromas are deep and blisters are superficial) could be opened and drained and it might expedite the healing process.  Stay on top of things and let your plastic surgeon take a look at it.  It may decompress on its own, but that can take time.

Unfortunately unless one physically sees and feels this area everything is a guess. You did the correct thing by letting your plastic surgeon evaluate this. If this is a fluid collection ( seroma) then  I am certain he / she will drain this when they feel it is appropriate. Follow there instructions carefully and completely.Good LuckStephen M. Davis, MD, FACS Green Hills Plastic Surgery

Unfortunately you are telling me that you had some trauma to your incision 6 weeks ago, which is not your fault, but after a tummy tuck can be a problem.  If you had bruising and swelling to the size of a softball, it likely indicates that you bled below the skin and formed a hematoma after being hit there.  They are often warm and will be red/bruised.  If it was a true hematoma, and it was the size of a softball, it will take many weeks to resolve, and that is why you are likely still having some symptoms.  A hematoma that is identified right away should be drained if it is of significant size because they can cause the problems you are describing or they can become infected.  The fact that your skin is flaking is probably a good thing because it indicates that your swelling is going down.  If you are seeing this blister-type area on the incision, this may be a small amount of fluid that is trying to work its way out -- it is very difficult to tell from your photo.When you got hit in the belly and developed the swelling 6 weeks ago did you go and see your surgeon?  At this point I would trust the management of your Plastic Surgeon.  Make sure they are always updated on your status and any changes.  In the end I would expect all of your symptoms to resolve, just give it time and patience.  Best of luck!

Thank you for the photo and whether this is a seroma or early infection should be followed by your surgeonDr Corbin