I am 7 weeks post op abdominoplasty and I have a seroma. Any suggestions?

Question

I am 7 weeks po abdominoplasty.. I have a seroma and was drained 240cc 3 days ago.. I'm filling up again.. my question is how long should I wait before being drained again? I have appt in 4 more days

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

Draining a seroma as frequently as practical is recommended.  Sometimes re-placing a drain may be indicated to eliminate such frequent visits.

Adam C. Augenstein, MD · Answer

Seroma is probably the most common complication of abdominoplasty. While annoying, this rarely results in a serious problem or long term issue. You should see your surgeon frequently to have this assessed and possibly aspirated again. Often it takes several aspirations to resolve these. Chronic seroma can occur if left untreated. Wear your compression garment as much as you can. Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

Hector Milla, MD · Answer

Hi  Shannonthornton  !The seroma after liposucction  or tummy its  very commun  event  .Normally solves after  3 o 4 visits  with your surgeon .You  will see that  the volume of the seroma  shrink  after the firs visit ,   normally the seroma  subside  very soon, if the  volume increase,  the replacing a drain  it will be an option . Get well .

Robert Graper, MD · Answer

Seromas are very common  if the skin does not stick back down to the muscle after they have both been tightened. The appropriate treatment is to compress the skin back down to the muscle with a compression garment after the fluid has been removed by a needle. This "tapping" the fluid may take several sessions. After 25 years of performing tummy tucks, I have only one patient that I had to take back to the operating room to remove a seroma that I could not resolve with the treatment described above. So your chances are good.  Good luck.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about the complication you are experiencing. It sounds like your plastic surgeon is treating you appropriately; often, serial/frequent aspirations are necessary. I would suggest, if you have questions/concerns in regards to your care, that you call your plastic surgeon ( and request earlier follow-up if necessary). Best wishes for a speedy resolution of the seroma  and an outcome that you will be very pleased with long-term.

I am 7 weeks post op abdominoplasty and I have a seroma. Any suggestions?

Answers (5)

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