Foul odor/seroma for 2 weeks: Opening after tummy tuck. (photo)

Question

I've been dealing with this seroma for approximately two weeks now. The opening is actually getting larger . I've been instructed to pack it twice daily and I understand that it's going to heal from the inside out. The last several days it has a very foul odor. My concern is this foul odor. Is that part of the seroma and should I be concerned?

Peter D. Geldner, MD · Answer

The smell suggests bacterial contamination which can also lead to infection. I would contact your plastic surgeon and let them help you solve this problem. The wound could close spontaneously if properly treated. Any sudden chance with the wound has to be evaluated, the sooner the better. The smell alone is not the problem, what the smell suggests could however be serious. Best of luck.

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry and sorry for your struggles, but only with an exam can we tell what may be going on.  A foul smell may indicate that the current wound therapy is not enough.  Please let your surgeon know about the odor, good luck.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.

Since there has been a change in your post op course, please contact your surgeon so he/she can examine you and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan at this time.The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

#RealSelf100Surgeon

#RealSelfCORESurgeon

Francis Johns, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.You are correct that the wound will heal from the inside out, so it is important to be patient. The odor that is coming from the wound may be from tissue necrosis, when is the last time you saw your surgeon? It is not uncommon in wounds like this to do small debridement every once in a while to get rid of the unhealthy tissue and let the oxygen get to the healthy tissues underneath.  I recommend calling your surgeon to give them an update on the wound and see how they wish to proceed. Good luck with healing.

Michael M. Omidi, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question and the photo. It is rather difficult to guarantee a reliable evaluation of your concern without an in-person exam. Seroma (i.e., a collection of fluid under your skin) is one of the most common complications after a tummy tuck. This complication is also responsible for a great deal of post-op swelling. Odd smell, on the other hand, may indicate a potential infection. For this reason, I would strongly advise you to get in touch with your plastic surgeon and share your concerns.

An in-person exam with a board-certified plastic surgeon would be the best way to assess your needs and obtain a reliable medical advice. Best of luck! Dr. Michael Omidi.

An in-person exam with a board-certified plastic surgeon would be the best way to assess your needs and obtain a reliable medical advice. Best of luck! Dr. Michael Omidi.

Anne Taylor, MD · Answer

Hello!I think I just answered another question from you-- but it just had the opening-- not the odor...The drainage can have a slight smell, depending on how your nose detects smells-- but a foul odor is a sign of an issue. I would continue to pack and check with your doctor!Good luck.

Kouros Azar, MD · Answer

Given the fact that this odor has increased, I would definitely advise you to have this assessed in person by your surgeon. Always best to err on the side of caution.Kindly,Kouros Azar

Mel T. Ortega, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.Despite good intentions, online consultants will not be able to provide you (in any responsible fashion) with specific enough advise to be truly helpful. Given your concerns, you'll be best off seeking follow-up with your plastic surgeon, earlier that already scheduled if necessary, for in person evaluation.Best Of Luck!!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Wound care should be addressed by your surgeon. If it is closing down, then that is good. It can take several weeks for this to occur.  A foul smell may or may not be present, if so it should be investigated.

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

Sorry to hear that you are having problem after tummy tuck.If foul odor is new and your are concerned about it, you should visit your plastic surgeon to be examined.  You may need debridment/antibiotics... After examining you in-person, your plastic surgeon should guide you with his/her wound care regimen and post-op instruction.Good luck with your healing.

Foul odor/seroma for 2 weeks: Opening after tummy tuck. (photo)

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