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.

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.

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.

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How Do You Know if is an Hematoma or Seroma?

Answers (8)

Answer: Seroma?

Answer: Seroma?

Answer: Hematoma or Seroma after Tummy Tuck

Answer: Hematoma or Seroma after Tummy Tuck

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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