Seroma/fluid after tummy tuck. Will it cause my apron to come back?

Question

I am 9 days post tummy tuck and have developed a sack of fluid like a water balloon beneath my belly button. I'm worried that this will cause my skin to stretch and sag again - I had the tuck to get rid of a saggy apron caused by my pregnancies.

Alejandro Nogueira, MD · Answer

These seromas are extremely common in abdominoplasties (tummy tuck), and their treatment is simple and straightforward: puncture and evacuation with syringe, not a big deal, painless and office-based.Do consult asap with your surgeon and he will know best when it is the right moment to carry out the drainage.

Malik Kutty, MD · Answer

Seromas are seen occasionally after tummy tucks, and if they're managed properly they really don't cause long-term problems. Getting significant loose skin is unlikely if the fluid is removed until the seroma resolves.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

do occur with regularity.  If managed in traditional methods (serial aspirations should hopefully do the trick for you), it will not stretch you out as you may fear.  But your fluid must be addressed and not simply left there to impair your healing.  You should be discussing this with your surgeon and anticipate getting at least weekly visits for aspirations until this is resolved.

Seroma/fluid after tummy tuck. Will it cause my apron to come back?

Answers (3)