Can the doctor see a pseudobursa during scar revision?

Question

2 years post tt with mr. I did not have any obvious seroma issues after surgery but DID have significant swelling for well over a year. I have begun to suspect that I might have a pseudobursa in the whole region from belly button to scar. I've had tightness and discomfort there that has never improved since surgery and it feels rather hard and thick there. When my doc goes in to revise my scar, will he be able to tell if there is a pseudobursa there or is there more surgery involved to check for that?

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions. If you are planning on having a revision surgery, then your surgeon should be able to tell if there has been an area of chronic seroma but this will likely make no difference in moving forward.Hope this helps!

Samuel Beran, MD · Answer

A pseudobursa is usually found just above the fascial layer and below the fat.  When a scar is revised sometimes the incision will go as deep as the fascia, but in most cases it is usually just below the skin.  So unless the surgeon suspects a pseudobursa and is planning to look for one, it is probable that he would not be that deep.

Susan Buenaventura, MD, FACS · Answer

A long standing seroma will form a pseudobursa.  These are firm thick capsules around an old hematoma or seroma.   This is usually related to patients overdoing early on or drains falling out early.   Removing it fixes the problem but it would need to be done properly, in an operating room, with anesthesia.  If that is your issue you will be very pleased with the revision.  Good luck!

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

to expose so if your scar revision is superficial, you will not see it.  If you're elevating your flap, then it will be exposed and visible.  Treatment is removal of the lining as much as possible and use of progressive tension sutures.  You should discuss your concerns with your surgeon so adequate time can be allotted to your procedure and the appropriate venue selected to have your revision done.

Can the doctor see a pseudobursa during scar revision?

Answers (4)

Answer: Pseudobursas require considerable dissection

Answer: Pseudobursas require considerable dissection

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck Revision

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Can the doctor see a pseudobursa during scar revision?

Answers (4)

Answer: Pseudobursas require considerable dissection

Answer: Pseudobursas require considerable dissection

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck Revision

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.