What's the worst that can happen if an abdominal seroma is not drained?

Question

I have a lower abdominal seroma following a tummy tuck, full muscle repair, and lipo of the flanks. My drains were removed properly...after both dropped below 20cc a day. A couple of days later I got a seroma, it was drained and well over 20cc was removed. If has returned and two attempts later nothing has been able to be removed. Can this ruin my results? Can it become infected? Is there anything I can do other then spanks+compression garments?

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Large seromas should be drained to avoid long-term problems. A 20 mL seroma is small and probably will resolve spontaneously without any significant issues.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

If several months have elapsed and there is still no resolution of the seroma, it may be necessary to excise the seroma cavity,  closing the dead space with sutures afterwards.

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

It sounds like your plastic surgeon is attentive to the issue at hand.  It also sounds like if a seroma remains it is very small and the body should absorb it.  A seroma can become infected but the most likely outcome of a persistent seroma would be the development of a sac around it called a bursa.  The bursa will need to be removed

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

A  small seroma is not unusual after surgery. It should resolve in time as your tissue heals.  Do avoid excessive bending and lifting, and wear compression garments during the day. Also, listen to your surgeon.

J. Garrett Harper, MD · Answer

Your fluid accumulation is normal and your body should be able to absorb that fluid.  You are doing the right thing by wearing the compression garments and trying to reduce the shear forces.  Make sure your compression garment is over the area of the seroma though- sometimes they start riding down low and may make the problem worse.

What's the worst that can happen if an abdominal seroma is not drained?

Answers (10)

Answer: Small seroma

Answer: Small seroma

Answer: You should be fine

Answer: You should be fine

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

What's the worst that can happen if an abdominal seroma is not drained?

Answers (10)

Answer: Small seroma

Answer: Small seroma

Answer: You should be fine

Answer: You should be fine

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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.