Should Anything Be Done for a Large Hematoma After Abdominal Lipo and Mini Tummy Tuck Procedure? (photo)

  If the hematoma is clinically significant and can be drained, it is usually prudent to do so.  Without the benefit of an exam, I would not be able to advise any more clearly than that.  Your doctor may have felt that this was a diffuse bruise that could not be effectively drained, but this is speculation.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

No one can speak for your surgeon.  If there truly was a significant hematoma then removal of the drain is questionable. Why he did not aspirate is questionable.  If significant then this could get infected.  Many reasons to the cause but it is all in the recognition and treatment where additional problems can be avoided.

Dr. ES

The photograph demonstrates a lot of bruising it is not conclusive for the presence of hematoma. In general and less there is a contraindication to do so hematomas should be drained.

Something does not sound right. If you have/had a "large hematoma" than I doubt any PS would remove the drainage system. In fact you are correct in wondering why no aspirator treatment was not done. Best to return to your chosen PS (was the surgeon a PS?) for care or find another boarded PS in DFW to render appropriate post operative treatment. This could mean a re operation/exploratory to remove the "large hematoma"! 

If you have a large hematoma, then it is best to remove it with an open procedure and clean the pocket.  If it is small it may resolve on its own.  Best to follow closely with your surgeon.