Pseudobursa after tummy tuck, do I have non surgical options? 1 year post op.

Question

I had a successful tummytuck back in July 2021. I am highly certain that I have developed a pseudobursa/pseudocyst on my right upper abdominal wall. Scans dont show much but it has textbook characteristics. I really rather avoid another full tummy tuck tbut it does cause discomfort and tugging feelinging on my abdomen sometimes. I had it drained a couple of times. The first 20ml and the last less than 1ml. Are there other treatment options other a surgery?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear solice1,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

When a postoperative seroma is first identified you get one shot at properly treating it to make it go away. it can be done with draining on a regular basis. Regular basis for a seroma basically means daily or as close to daily as the surgeon and patient can possibly do. The other option is to have an interventional radiologist place a drain and drain it continuously until the surfaces have stuck together without any potential volume or space between them.
Once a bursa or capsule has been created it cannot be removed or treated with anything other than surgical excision.
If they don’t cause significant disfigurement or problems then it may be better to leave it alone.
Any board-certified plastic surgeon should know how to manage a seroma.
Personally my approach is always been to be fairly aggressive with these since there is an early window at which point training them on a regular basis can eliminate the problem. when’s chronic and encapsulated draining it will no longer make it go away.
Sclerosing techniques are notoriously unsuccessful.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Pseudobursa after tummy tuck, do I have non surgical options? 1 year post op.

Answers (2)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck Revision

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

Pseudobursa after tummy tuck, do I have non surgical options? 1 year post op.

Answers (2)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck Revision

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