Are infections and seroma after a tummy tuck common and what causes this?

Question

Is it common to get tummy tuck infections (serious) or minor? And also seroma ?? If so, what causes this .., doctors fault who carried out the surgery?

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @Peaceful383196, thank you for your question. It is important to follow the postoperative treatment recommendations and follow the specialist's guidelines to the letter. A seroma or infection is something that can happen by chance. As long as you follow the doctors' orders and follow up post-operative protocols, you can receive treatment right away. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science” Member (IFATS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP)

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Normally complication rates after a tummy tuck are limited.  Common side effects would be a seroma build up.  Ways to help prevent that would be proper tight compression.  Seroma's are a build up of fluid that your body is used to producing to help keep the tissue and skin alive that has just been removed.  Hence the reason why compression after surgery is super important.  It's not necessarily anyone's fault if this does occur.  Infection rates tend to be low, most Surgeons would put their patient on antibiotics before and after surgery to help prevent that.  I would suggest speaking with your Surgeon of choice to help ease your mind.  Best of luck to you.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding infections and seromas following a tummy tuck. Both are known complications that can occur after the procedure, but they are generally uncommon when the surgery is performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon. Let’s break down these issues and their causes:

While rare, infections can occur after any surgery, including a tummy tuck. The risks can be minimized with proper surgical technique, sterile environments, and post-operative care. Infections may range from mild (redness and warmth around the incision) to more severe cases involving abscesses or systemic symptoms like fever. Factors that may increase the risk of infection include:

Poor hygiene during recovery or improper wound care.
Pre-existing health conditions (e.g., diabetes or obesity).
Smoking, which impairs healing.
Bacterial contamination during surgery, though this is rare with good surgical practices.
Infections are not usually the fault of the surgeon if they follow standard procedures, but they must be promptly addressed with antibiotics or, in severe cases, drainage of abscesses.

A seroma is a collection of fluid that can build up under the skin after surgery. This is more common in tummy tucks due to the large area of tissue manipulation. Seromas may feel like a squishy lump or cause swelling and discomfort. Contributing factors include:

Increased physical activity or pressure on the incision site too soon after surgery.
While seromas are not uncommon, they are typically not the surgeon's fault and can be managed with drainage procedures or, in some cases, sclerotherapy (a chemical agent to close the cavity). Persistent or recurring seromas might require surgical intervention.

To reduce the risk of infections and seromas, follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully, including drain management and activity restrictions.
Maintain a healthy weight and avoid smoking before and after surgery.
Stay hydrated and eat a high-protein diet to promote healing.
If you notice signs of infection or a seroma, contact your plastic surgeon immediately. Prompt treatment minimizes complications and ensures the best possible recovery.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Joe Gryskiewicz, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry. Infections and seroma's are not common after an abdominoplasty but can definitely occur. Seroma's are fluid under the skin that may be caused from inadequate compression, rest and recovery. Same holds true for infections. If the incision is not cared for properly and post op instructions are not being followed, infections can occur. Infections tend to be mild if caught and treated early. I have provided a link to our website that explains the procedure, risks involved, and after care recovery. If you have any other questions or concerns, please let us know.

Thank you,
Dr. (Joe) Gryskiewicz

Thank you,
Dr. (Joe) Gryskiewicz

Keith C. Neaman, MD · Answer

Both infections and seromas are rare occurrences following a tummy tuck. Seromas can occur when the body isn’t able to handle the amount of fluid the body creates following surgery. Infections on the other hand can occur for a variety of reasons. Both this and infections are usually not a sign of poor surgical technique but a sign of poor patient selection.

Geuris Cruz Quiroz, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Seroma is an accumulation of liquid in a certain area of your body, usually abdomen area and can be avoid with the right compression, in the cases the patient has it the surgery need to drain it and the compression need to be correct to your body can also absorb the liquid that created the seroma, Infection will depend the kind of infection we talk about, there is a different kind of it and will depend of the surgeon and the patient as well, some infections after a tummy tuck procedure can be for too many and the wrong manipulation and cleaning of the incisions. My recommendations is before surgery have a conversation with your surgeon and ask for their protocol.

Hope this helps
Dr. Quiroz

Hope this helps
Dr. Quiroz

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Minor infections are occasionally seen and easily treated with antibiotics. Seromas are more common but readily resolved in the vast majority of cases

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Peaceful383196,
infections and seroma can occur after any surgery. The risk of complications is very low after elective procedures. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

James Knoetgen, III, MD · Answer

Infections and seromas can occur after a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), though they're not extremely common if the procedure is performed correctly and proper post-operative care is followed.
Infections
Causes:
•	Bacterial Contamination: Infections can be caused by bacteria entering the surgical site, either during the procedure or from post-operative care.
•	Compromised Immune System: Patients with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for infections.
Prevention and Management:
•	Antibiotics: Surgeons often prescribe antibiotics to minimize the risk of infection.
•	Hygiene: Keeping the surgical area clean and following post-operative care instructions is crucial.
•	Monitoring: Regular follow-ups with the surgeon help catch any signs of infection early.
Seromas
Causes:
•	Fluid Accumulation: A seroma is a collection of fluid that can build up in the space left after the removal of tissue. It can occur if the body doesn’t reabsorb the fluid properly or if there’s an issue with the lymphatic system.
•	Surgical Trauma: The disruption of lymphatic vessels and tissues during surgery can lead to fluid accumulation.
Prevention and Management:
•	Drains: Surgeons often use drains to help prevent seromas by allowing excess fluid to escape from the surgical site.
•	Compression Garments: Wearing compression garments as instructed can help minimize fluid accumulation.
•	Follow-up: Regular check-ups help ensure that any seroma is detected and managed promptly.
It's important for patients to follow their plastic surgeon’s post-operative care instructions closely and attend all follow-up appointments to minimize the risk of complications.

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.
I would not say that it is common to have infections or develop a seroma post surgery. It is important to follow your instructions and not overdo to avoid having post operative complications. Best wishes!

Are infections and seroma after a tummy tuck common and what causes this?

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