3 Weeks post-op Tummy Tuck and Lipo. Large seroma keeps coming back, what do I do?

Question

My two drains were removed but the 2nd one was still draining over 80cc's a day. 3 days after removal of 2nd drain I developed are very large seroma. My doctor drained it and got 60cc's out but it came back almost immediately. It is now larger than before, covering my entire abdomen area. My doctor seems unfazed by the results and wants to wait a week before she drains it again. Is there any danger in having a seroma this large? Can I do anything to make it go away on my own?

Matthew H. Steele, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Sorry to hear about the seroma.  You will need serial drainage with a needle and may even need a seromacath drain placed.  If the seroma is longstanding you can develop a capsule (pseudobursa) around the fluid and at that point it may require surgery.  Another option is to inject an irritant such as doxcycyline to scar down the pocket; this is called sclerotherapy.   Best to follow closely with your surgeon and call if you are uncomfortable.  Good luck.

Andrew Wolfe, MD · Answer

Seromas can be a frustrating complication after tummy tucks.  A 60cc seroma is relatively small and may resolve after a few aspirations.  If the seromas are large and/or recur immediately, it may be helpful to insert a small drain called a seromacath into the area to keep the space empty and allow the tissue planes to seal up.  Voicing your concerns to your surgeon would be helpful.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Your seroma needs to be followed closely by your surgeon.  If you have concerns and are not comfortable waiting a week for your appointment, contact your surgeon to discuss your situation.  Most seromas will resolve on their own over time, but a few require further intervention.

Jeffrey C. Dawes, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Normally, unless there is another reason so do so (ie., infected drain site) drains should come out only once they are draining less than 25-30 cc in a 24 hr. period. If you get a seroma, it should be drained, though there is often no immediate urgency to do so. The body can resorb small seromas, but typically not large ones. Wearing your binder is about all you can do on your own. If the seroma is persistent, your surgeon may opt to put a drain back in or have interventional radiology do so under U/S guidance. Good luck!

3 Weeks post-op Tummy Tuck and Lipo. Large seroma keeps coming back, what do I do?

Answers (4)

Answer: Seroma management

Answer: Seroma management

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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3 Weeks post-op Tummy Tuck and Lipo. Large seroma keeps coming back, what do I do?

Answers (4)

Answer: Seroma management

Answer: Seroma management

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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.