How Do You Know if is an Hematoma or Seroma?

Question

I just recently have a tummy tuck and liposuction, after my doctor remove the drainage I was still collecting seroma and my doctor extracted with a syringe. a two weeks after my last extraction I feel like a hard ball on the top part of my abdomen close to my ribs cage. is the a hematoma or seroma? will massage help to minimize and how long would it last?

Matthew C. Camp, MD · Answer

Odds are it is a recurrent seroma. It is unusual to form a hematoma in a delayed fashion after surgery. It could also be scar tissue. This can be sorted out easily via ultrasound. I would go back to see your surgeon. Seromas often require more than one drainage. Best of luck!Matthew C Camp M.D.

Don W. Griffin, MD · Answer

This is probably a localized seroma that will need to be aspirated again.  You should let your surgeon evaluate it.  Massage will not be of any help.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It is difficult to say what that hard lump is at the top of your abdomen. It could be fluid, it could also be fat necrosis, it could be the plication that you are feeling. It would be best to get examined.

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

Odds are you have formed another seroma. Since Plastic Surgery should never be a do-it-yourself affair I would styrongly advise you to see your Plastic surgeon now and have him manage it for you. Once a seroma forms it works well for doctor and patient to see each other weekly, if not sooner, and remove the fluid rather than allow it to accumulate and risk forming a chronic seroma or worse.

	Good Luck.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

Hematoma is a collection of blood from active bleeding and can be rapid and quite tender. A seroma is a slow acumulation of fluid which will feel heavy, most often in the lower abdomen. As you were under care for a seroma, it is likely to be one rather than bleeding. Your surgeon will help you sort things out.
	Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd.com

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	Given your history of seroma,  it is likely that the current  &ldquo;hardball&rdquo;  is another seroma.  it is not uncommon for multiple aspirations to be necessary before the seroma  resolves.

	Your plastic surgeon will be able to make the diagnosis based on physical examination and/or aspiration.

	Best wishes.

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

Most likely this is a seroma but either way, let your surgeon know so that it can be drained. Massage will not help.

Tiffany McCormack, MD · Answer

It sounds like a seroma given your history, however, it is hard to say without seeing it.  I would have your surgeon take a look and maybe try to aspirate.  It could also be scar tissue.

How Do You Know if is an Hematoma or Seroma?

Answers (8)