Can weight be placed on abdominal seroma?

Thank you for your question regarding seroma treatment after a 360 circumferential body lift. Though seromas are rare after a body lift, they do occur. I would not suggest placing a weight on the abdomen. This will not significantly help. You may wind up with a dent in your abdomen. Instead, I would follow your plastic surgeon's advice. Specifically, a compression garment and a drain. Sometimes injection of a sclerosant may help to close the seroma. Sometimes your plastic surgeon may need to open the wound and allow the seroma to drain. Please discuss these alternatives to seroma treatment with your plastic surgeon. If you have any questions regarding seroma treatment, please contact my office. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen

Thanks for your question. Seromas are an unfortunately common occurrence after body lift.  Placement of the drain was the correct step.  I do not think that placement of a weight over your abdomen will have any significant effect.  The compression garment is likely providing adequate compression.  Sometimes the garment can actually make your pubic area feel more swollen. If the drainage persists, revision with excision of the seroma cavity and reclosure is sometimes needed.  at this point I suggest that you continue with the drain and see if the output slows.  Best Regards.