Skin not reattaching to fascia and not a seroma after tummy tuck with muscle repair. Is there anything that can be done? (photos

Question

Had a tummy tuck with muscle repair 11 weeks ago. Had a hematoma in subxiphoid and had to go back to OR 12 hours later. Had a seroma in same place as hematoma at 3 weeks and suregon drained it 3 times. Healed well. 2 weeks ago noticed small bulge in that same place as hematoma and seroma in subxiphoid. Went to surgeon and he said that it was not a seroma and that the skin was not attaching to fascia. He said that there was nothing that could be done. Is this true? I feel really disappointed.

Afshin Parhiscar, MD · Answer

Dear melrosaIt is too early to assess the outcome. The area will have prolonged edema and will take its time to take final shape. You should only consider revision after 4-6 months from last surgery. be patient. It will pay off. Sometimes early intervention can lead to long term unfavorable scarring and complications.

Wayne I. Yamahata, MD · Answer

If a pocket persists after repeated drainage of a chronic seroma, it is often because the space has become lined with organized collagenous tissue to form a capsule or bursa. The diagnosis can often be confirmed with an ultrasound study. If this were confirmed there are many approaches to the treatment. This could include injection of an irritant into the space, compression,  or placement of drains. The definitive treatment would be surgical excision of the lining. These are issues that should be discussed with your surgeon.

Thomas A. Pane, MD · Answer

If the bulge came back two weeks after it was drained the last time and it was flat then, it could be a seroma or you may have separation of the plication suture(s) in that area.  Hard to say without an exam.  It is more likely to be a recurrent seroma in which case the skin may not attach to the fascia.  This would be from the seroma forming a surrounding scar capsule.  If you are not comfortable with the assessment of your surgeon, a second opinion is reasonable at this point.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,If the skin is not attached to fascia, then what occupies the intervening space? Air? No. It can only be fluid or seroma, if in fact that is true.  Conversely, this just may be localized swelling, though unlikely. Perhaps your surgeon should send you for a diagnostic ultrasound to see if there is any fluid that can be aspirated. Of perhaps you need to get a second opinion.Best of luck!

Lee E. Corbett, MD · Answer

The hematoma and seroma will delay wound healing in that area. I think compression and massage and time will improve the bulge.

Skin not reattaching to fascia and not a seroma after tummy tuck with muscle repair. Is there anything that can be done? (photos

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Skin not reattaching to fascia and not a seroma after tummy tuck with muscle repair. Is there anything that can be done? (photos

Answers (9)

Answer: Doesn't Make Sense

Answer: Doesn't Make Sense

Answer: Tummy bulge

Answer: Tummy bulge

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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.