I'm 11 wks post op Tummy Tuck. Tonight a hole opened on my incision and blood gushed out. Should I be scared? (Photo)

Question

11 weeks post op TT. Another hole opening and hard ledge above incision. Blood gushed out of hole. Just got over pneumonia and getting scared.

David Liland, MD · Answer

This sounds like a small hematoma that has spontaneously drained and is probably most fortunate for you as this will decrease to other complications that can occur with undrained fluid collections such as infections or hard scar tissues that can cause local tissue deformities or abnormalities. So be thankful as all fluid should be drained (for the most part) Best of luck

Erik Miles, MD, FACS · Answer

It sounds like you had a hematoma that has now "organized" and drained out of your incision. A hematoma is a blood collection that can accumulate underneath the abdominal flap of skin after a tummy tuck procedure. Initially this blood becomes clotted and thick.  Over time it becomes more liquid and can leak out, especially along the incision which is the weakest gravity dependent area. I am presuming that it was very dark blood that came out. Bright red blood would indicate a more recent bleeding episode. It is not necessarily reason for concern, however you do need to be evaluated by your surgeon. Typically local wound care is all that is required. There are situations which require more aggressive suctioning of the hematoma space. The good news is that this minor complication should not affect your long term results. Best wishes.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Thank you for your pictures. Sounds like you may have had A small hematoma or hematoma and a seroma.  By the way I think that you need to be in that I went by your plastic surgeon. I don't think this is anything to be overly concerned about but  would be helpful.

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

Sorry to hear that you had a rough recovery after tummy tuck.  The fluid was most likely a small amount of hematoma trapped under the incision.  It is a good thing that the fluid got out of the incision.  Based on your photos, it does not seem like you have an infection - no redness surrounding the opening.  I recommend you to visit your plastic surgeon so that she/he can take a look at your incision to make sure that there is no residual fluid left.  Good luck.

Heather J. Furnas, MD · Answer

You likely developed some bleeding in the area deep to the skin at some point after surgery. As much as blood belongs inside our blood vessels, it doesn't belong outside, when it's called a hematoma.A hematoma can work its way out, as yours did. Although seeing a gush of blood must have been alarming, the blood is better off outside your body than in. Blood that stays inside can predispose to infections, delayed wound healing, and distortion of the skin contours.You should see your plastic surgeon to be evaluated. He/she may want to see if there is more blood in the wound.Good luck!

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

WHY have you NOT called your chosen Plastic Surgeon????? CALL NOW! You need urgent in person care in my over the internet opinion....

Johnny Chung, MD, FACS · Answer

This looks normal. It may be a small Seroma or suture spitting. I would still contact your plastic surgeon to get  a check up.

Maan Kattash, MD, FRCS, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

This is not an uncommon scenario. It can be as simple as a small stitch reaction. Best is to have it checked out by your plastic surgeon. He will be best to advice you.

Lori H. Saltz, MD (retired) · Answer

You have certainly had a rough recovery!  It sounds as if you had a small hematoma under the abdominal flap.  It takes time for the body to break down the clot into liquid and it found a way through the incision.  It is not unusual to have a "ledge" of firmness in the lower abdomen. It is a form of firm swelling that will eventually subside.  You need to see your surgeon soon so that your incision can be examined for any breakdown that needs attention.  Don't be frightened.

Francis (Frank) William Rieger, MD (retired) · Answer

This may be no more than a small amount of hematoma or seroma that remained after the surgery and recently came through tha abdominoplasty incision.  There may be a reason to perform an MRI of the abdomen if there was belief that a large  collection persisted, but this may be no more than a small collection.  Let your local Plastic Surgeon give you guidance about this.Good luck to you.Frank Rieger M.D.  Tampa Plastic Surgeon

I'm 11 wks post op Tummy Tuck. Tonight a hole opened on my incision and blood gushed out. Should I be scared? (Photo)

Answers (10)

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