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

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!

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

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