Could screaming and shouting cause a seroma after tummy tuck?

Question

Hello. I’m a 25yo man. I underwent surgery for abdominoplasty with rectus plication on 2th of February. Last week (week 3) I noticed a swollen area below the scar. It’s a seroma as my surgeon diagnosed it and partially aspired it. Some days before I noticed it, I had an argue with my parents, screaming and shouting. Could the consequent raising in blood pressure and heart rate have possibly caused seroma? Thanks

Stefan Mark Szczerba, MD · Answer

My general rule of thumb after all surgery is to avoid anything that raises your heart rate or involves heavy lifting- I like that for 6 weeks but insist on for at least 2 weeks.  That being said seromas are more linked to early drain removal and/or lack of mattress sutures during the surgery.  I personally don't use mattress sutures unless the patient is still very overweight.  I do however have very strict rules about when the drain tubes are removed.  I think rest and compression would prevent recurrence of your seroma.  I rarely see any seroma require more than 2 aspirations.  Best Wishes!!

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Experiencing a seroma after an abdominoplasty with muscle repair (rectus plication) is a common post-operative concern, and stress-related activities can sometimes contribute to fluid buildup.

While there’s no direct evidence that shouting or elevated heart rate alone causes seromas, increased blood pressure and tension in the abdominal area—especially when combined with recent muscle repair—might contribute to or worsen fluid accumulation. This could be due to the strain placed on healing tissues or the slight increase in pressure within the abdomen, which can encourage fluid to pool in areas of surgical trauma.

To support optimal healing, it’s best to avoid high-stress activities, heavy lifting, or anything that might increase intra-abdominal pressure. Follow your surgeon's guidelines on activity restrictions closely, and continue to monitor for any new symptoms or swelling. If necessary, your surgeon may recommend further aspirations to help manage the seroma until it fully resolves.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Rorschach54,
I understand your concern but screaming and shouting cause seroma. However, without a proper assessment it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment. Only after thorough examination you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The most frequently described postoperative complications are seroma, wound separation, and infection.     Generally, one or two drains are placed after a standard tummy tuck. A standard operative abdominal binder provides compression to decrease seroma formation and maximize contouring results.Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Seromas do occur with tucks and usually is from movement and not wearing compression garments. Also seromas are more common if drains were not used.

Could screaming and shouting cause a seroma after tummy tuck?

Answers (7)

Answer: Could screaming and shouting cause a seroma after tummy tuck?

Answer: Could screaming and shouting cause a seroma after tummy tuck?

Answer: Seroma

Answer: Seroma

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Male Tummy Tuck

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

Could screaming and shouting cause a seroma after tummy tuck?

Answers (7)

Answer: Could screaming and shouting cause a seroma after tummy tuck?

Answer: Could screaming and shouting cause a seroma after tummy tuck?

Answer: Seroma

Answer: Seroma

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Male Tummy Tuck

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