Should I be concerned about a seroma that developed after an abdominoplasty?

Question

I had an abdominoplasty Dec 13 th. I had to be aspirated week 2 for a fluid buildup, 80 cc came out, Dr said the rest will be absorbed by my body. I was supposed to go back week 3 to get aspirated again cause fluid buildup again but they had to cancel my appt, so I came back the next week for my 1 mo. post op, the NP attempted to aspiration but nothing came out, they told me it was solidifying and my body would take care of it. There is still a lot of fluid in my abdomen. Should I be concerned?

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your question. If you truly have a seroma, it will not solidify, though it may become harder to treat as the inner walls thicken. You could have ultrasound imaging done to determine how much fluid is there. I recommend that you continue to follow up with your plastic surgeon.All the best

Jan Hochtritt, BSc, MD · Answer

Thank you very much for this relevant question. seroma is a very common complication after abdominoplasty. Where most of the time the body will re-absorb the fluid that will accumulate some times the quantity will necessitate to evacuate the fluid. If the seroma keeps reoccurring sometimes a medication has to be injected into the cavity to fuse and close it. With normal management a seroma is not going to be a problem for the end result. Have a wonderful rest of the day and greetings from the beautiful island of Jamaica

Erik Miles, MD, FACS · Answer

Seromas will occasionally occur after abdominoplasty.  If managed properly, a seroma should not affect your long-term results or cause any further complications. The treatment is to simply aspirate the fluid as was done in your case. Sometimes several aspirations are required. It sounds like your surgeon has managed your seroma appropriately.  Don’t be concerned that no fluid came out with the last aspiration attempt.  This is a good thing, provided that the needle was properly placed.  If you are concerned that there is fluid present that might have been missed by the NP attempting to aspirate it, I would discuss it with the surgeon and request that he or she personally examines you.  Continue to follow your surgeon’s instructions. Best wishes!

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

Serums can occur and often they do need to be drained. The drainage will stop at some point and the fluid will be resorbed. Best to stay in contact with your PS.

Johnny Chung, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. A seroma is common after tummy tuck and can be drained relatively easily. If you have fluid (seen with a fluid wave) the seroma is still present . It is  possible that the NP missed the pocket and was unable to aspirate the fluid. A seroma will not solidify. I recommend seeing the PS and seeing if he can aspirate it. Good luck with your recovery.

Should I be concerned about a seroma that developed after an abdominoplasty?

Answers (5)