Can weight be placed on abdominal seroma?

Question

i am 6 weeks post circumferential body lift. I developed a large seroma in my lower ab/pubic are , PS was able to drain out 500 ml and placed a new JP drain. It has been one week and my fluid out put is 75 ml in 24 hour period. I have compression garment on but feel swollen in lower ab/pubic area. I had someone suggest to me to lay flat in bed and place a flat 5 pound weight on the lower ab and see if it helps. Is this safe/effective?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Anthony Deboni, MD · Answer

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.

Can weight be placed on abdominal seroma?

Answers (2)