Can you still have complications 8 years later after a Tummy tuck? (photos)

Question

I had a tummy tuck 8 years ago. For the past 5 years my stomach will swell up for no reason. Now it swells up with fluid build up and then puss will come out thru my belly button. I have CT scan/sonogram done dr's keep saying they can't find anything but I need surgery. I was told It could be from my tummy tuck like there is a pocket in there that is causing a cyst or ucler I forget what word they used? How do you fix this when no one will touch you they said they can't help me!

Ramiro Morales, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and pictures.  If you can, ask your Plastic Surgeon if he used Ethibond sutures on you muscles.  If so, these sutures can cause long term problems with drainage and pus which may not be visible on CT scan.  Try to contact your Plastic Surgeon for more information.

Steven J. Rottman, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is rare, but possible, to have complications years after tummy tuck surgery. It sounds like you may have a chronic infection, possible along a deep, non-absorbable suture. It is concerning that you are draining pus from the belly button. I would seek a second opinion consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon. Hope this helps!

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

Have you seen your plastic surgeon? If not, make an appointment with him or her or with another board certified plastic surgeon in your area to discuss your options. So sorry that you are experiencing this. My best,
Dr. Sheila Nazarian
@drsheilanazarian on Instagram

Christian Subbio, MD · Answer

Yes, complications years out from abdominoplasty are possible.  Rare, but possible.This to me sounds like something related to a chronically infected stitch in the deeper layers around the belly button.  It is common for surgeons to use permanent sutures here, which can harbor some bacteria, and given that they are close to the scar around the belly button, they can form a chronic tract through which pus can exude.  At times when this opening is plugged up, perhaps this is the fluid building up within.I am very sorry that you're going through these issues and that you're having trouble finding help.  I think if you search out a few more plastic surgeons, especially university-based surgeons, you will certainly find someone willing to get to the bottom of this issue.Best of luck!Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

Jason Hess, MD · Answer

While tummy tuck complications are rare 8 years following surgery, they certainly can occur.  A chronic seroma is an uncommon complication following abdominoplasty.Additionally, permanent sutures are sometimes used to plicate the rectus fascia.This means that permanent sutures sometimes are used by physicians and remain in place long after surgery.The region near your navel may exude liquid due to sutures attempting to extrude.I would not hesitate to consider an exploration/revision.

Daniel P. Markmann, MD · Answer

The best thing to do is to see your plastic surgeon when your abdomen is distended.  If your plastic surgeon doesn't have any recommendations as to what to do, consult another one or two plastic surgeons who are willing to explore the possibilities further.  DiscoverTheBeauty.com Good Luck.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

It is possible. Have you seen other PSs? Re exploration of the TT flap is indicated to find any residual issues...

Daniel Kaufman, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is certainly possible to get complications from a tummy tuck months and even years after the performance of the operation. It is uncommon, but certainly possible. It sounds like you're describing an infected seroma, which is a pocket of fluid that is essentially built into the tissues, and cannot be rid of unless a formal extirpative operation is done. In fact, a woman that I had performed a tummy tuck on almost 4 years ago had just presented to me with similar complaints. A CT scan was inconclusive, but the clinical scenario was overwhelming. We ended up heading back to the OR, where I found the seroma pocket, eliminated it, and closed the wound with additional drains. She did very well after that. Make sure you visit with a Board-certified plastic surgeon, preferably the one who performed the operation originally, and address your concerns. Hope this helps. Good luck and fare well.

Vincent D. Lepore, MD (retired) · Answer

Although, it is unusual to have a complication from a tummy tuck years after the procedure, it is not impossible.  If you have developed a large cyst, it may be due to your previous surgery or could be caused by something totally different.  If you are having trouble with finding someone who feels comfortable treating you, I suggest you be seen at your nearest University Medical Center.  In your case, this may be Johns Hopkins University Medical Center.  I am certain there would be someone in their surgical department who will be happy to help you.  Best wishes, Dr. Lepore.

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