Could this be a seroma?

Our practice has eliminated the use of drains for the past five years with newer techniques. We have not had any increase in our rate of seroma or other complications. You should see a board certified surgeon to examine you and see what is going on.

Thank you for your question. It is difficult to give you definitive advice without an in-person evaluation or a full series of photographs, but if you had scans performed, they should have been able to identify any seromas present between your skin and the underlying muscles.  After nearly 6 years, any seroma present would have walled itself in scar from the surrounding tissues, requiring surgical excision for treatment.  I would continue to voice your concerns with your surgeon, and if she continue to disagree with her assessment, seek out other board certified plastic surgeons in your area for second/third opinions.  

You mention you've had scans, and I'm curious as to what type. Both an ultrasound and a CT scan are reliable ways to diagnose seromas. Unfortunately, after all this time, if that is the problem you are likely looking at a surgical procedure to take care of the problem rather than a new drain. Good luck.

After 5 years it is doubtful you have a seroma especially if you have had scans or studies like ultrasound that would show fluid. There are many things that can happen after abdominoplasty surgery including incisional hernias, the pain and discomfort make me wonder about that. I would check in with a surgeon in your area and see what they think about your abdominal wall.

A seroma would be easy to feel as a wave of fluid beneath the skin. It is very unlikely for you to have a seroma 5 years later, and a fluid collection like that would be seen on an ultrasound or CT scan. Photos would help, but if your abdomen is still round and pregnant-looking, it may be that the muscles still need repair. This can usually be diagnosed by a plastic surgeon on physical exam without the need for additional tests.

I am sorry to hear that you do not have the flat abdominal contour that you wanted following an abdominoplasty, 5 years ago. The abdominal puffiness is not due to a seroma. To answer your questions, I believe that you should have a consultation with another Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, who can examine you, for a second opinion. Please bring your abdominal scans with you that will provide additional information. At this point you will know the treatment options available to you. Best wishes, Dr. Richard Swift

There could be many reasons for the condition you are describing.  Were your muscles repaired during the tummy tuck?  Perhaps the sutures broke.  If you could provide photos of the condition I could be of more help.