Is This Dangerous to Have Such a Large Painful Hematoma After Mini Tummy Tuck and Lipo? (photo)

Question

12 days post op and I developed a hematoma within minutes of waking from surgery. My drain put 500 cc's 1st day. Then removed last Monday draining 15 CCs. The bruised area you see is hard as a rock and PS said it is hematoma and to let my body reabsorb. But it is large, pushing on nerves and painful. It was liquid, but it is very hard now. Should I seek a second opinion? Is this dangerous? How long will it take for my body to absorb a 6 x 8 inch hematoma?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

A hematoma should always be drained if it is clinically significant. If there is no distinct fluid collection, sometimes this is not possible. A chronic fluid collection is not something you want, because this can cause a contour deformity and may have to be surgically removed. If your surgeon does hundreds of tummy tucks and liposuctions each year, I would trust the judgement of the surgeon. I cannot determine from pictures alone what should be done. Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

As a general rule, a hematoma this large should be evacuated either by surgeon or by aspiration and/or drain placement. I wouldn't make a diagnosis based solely upon the photos, but I do suspect there is more hematoma present.  Make an appointment to see your surgeon. 

	Best wishes.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Yes there appears to be a residual amount of "voluted" blood in your abdomen. Either re operation or interventional radiologic drainage will help. But your surgeon needs to act NOW!

Is This Dangerous to Have Such a Large Painful Hematoma After Mini Tummy Tuck and Lipo? (photo)

Answers (3)