How can I find a local doctor to drain my seroma if my PS is to far away? Should I get this drained? (Photo)

Seromas usually need to be drained. This can help prevent chronic problems that may need re-operation later. Your plastic surgeon is best to do this. Part of the trade-off in traveling for plastic surgery is that you may be able to get your surgery for significantly less cost than if you stayed local, but if you have complications - such as a seroma - it will be necessary to travel back to your surgeon. If you do not want to travel back to your surgeon, you may have a hard time finding a local plastic surgeon willing to assume care of you, and take the responsibility of treating someone else's complication. There will certainly be significant out-of-pocket expenses for you.

Thank you for your pictures. I would look locally for a board-certified plastic surgeon or ask your OB/GYN for referral to a board-certified plastic surgeon. It is up to that surgeon if he or she is willing to take on your care at this point.

The best way for you to have this seroma evaluated would be for your primary care physician to request an ultrasound and then have them evaluate the seroma, and if appropriate, try to drain the seroma with ultrasound guidance through interventional radiology.  Most plastic surgeons are not going to want to take on the responsibility associated with draining another plastic surgeon's seroma, just in case the condition becomes chronic or complicated.  The sooner you get the seroma evaluated and drained, the less chance you have of having it be a long-term problem.

While it does look like a small seroma, you should go see a plastic surgeon close to you and have them stick a needle in it and drain it.  They may charge you, but certainly not what it would cost to go back to your original plastic surgeon that's far away.  Then please wear a compression garment!

Tummy tuck seromas usually need to be drained.  If not, you can develop a chronic pocket and might need surgery to excise it.  It is best to see a local plastic surgeon, but it may be difficult to find someone to assume your care.  Your case highlights one of the reasons many of us are against medical tourism.  

Generally speaking, best to have seromas drained;  otherwise, if the body does not absorb the fluid, the cavity can become a “chronic” problem,  possibly necessitating surgical removal. Have your operating plastic surgeon, your primary care physician, or your OB/GYN physician refer you to a board certified plastic surgeon in your area for evaluation. Best wishes.

If indeed you have a significant Seroma it should be drained.Care triage should be number done by your treating surgeon,if unavailable another board certified plastic surgeon(although this may be tough because some doctors enthusiasm for handling another surgeon's responsibility is low).Finally if can't obtain option 1 or 2,perhaps your PCP can refer you to an intervential radiologist where they can drain it under ultrasound guidance