How long does it take chronic seromas to resolve after a tummy tuck?

Question

I had a tummy tuck with liposuction. Despite 2 drains, 15 days post op I was diagnosed with a staph infection and hospitalized for 5 days. 2 large seromas were found in the abdomen, fluid was drained, new drains inserted. 10 days later, these drains were removed as ultrasound showed no fluid. 3 weeks later, MD sent me for US and another seroma was found. Again the fluid cultured for staph. I still have a drain 4 weeks later but only 5 cc's a day draining. When should I expect recovery?

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

There are different ways that surgeons deal with recurrent seromas.  It sounds like you need a small drain inserted under the flap and left in for about a week.  It is also a good idea to be on appropriate antibiotics during this time as well.

Pablo Prichard, MD · Answer

Thank you for your post.  Seromas can be painful and cause a cosmetic deformity, as well as sometimes leak.  The whole point of drains is to keep a seroma from happening in the first place.  If a drainless procedure was performed, and you had a seroma, or you had drains that were pulled and you subsequently had a seroma, then you should be drained, otherwise a capsule builds around the fluid making it permanent.  If a capsule builds around the seroma (pseudo bursa or encapsulated seroma) then the only way to remove the seroma is to surgically open the areas and excise the capsule, and close over drains to prevent another seroma from happening.  If the seroma is encapsulated and is tight and painful, then it can be confused with just swelling or fat.  An ultrasound is useful in distinguishing these and identifying the extent of the seroma. If the seroma is not yet encapsulated, then it is usually loose and has a 'fluid wave' or water bed type feel.  Occasionally, a seroma can also become infected, especially if a permanent braided suture was used.  This will have a hot, red appearance, and will eventually open up.  I have never seen an infection from sterile aspiration of fluid.  If seromas continue despite multiple aspirations over an extended period of time, then you need to start thinking about re-openning the incision and excising the entire capsule, both from and back walls, to treat the seroma.  Drains need to be placed, internal sutures placed, possibly using a tissue glue or irritant to encourage the tissues to grow together.Best wishes,Pablo Prichard, MD

Richard J. Brown, MD · Answer

It depends on how chronic it is. If you have a seroma long enough and it is not drained a capsule will form around it and it will need to be formally excised with surgery. If they are drained and often times have a drain placed to keep the cavity collapsed it will go away on it's own. In rare occasions I have had to aspirate a seroma a few times and with compression they go away. You should be seeing your surgeon about this.

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Sorry for the problems that you have had though seromas with or without an infection not uncommonly occur following an abdominoplasty and may take weeks to resolve.   The fact that you are almost draining nothing is a good sign and I expect after the present drains are removed you should not have a problem.Dr. Corbin

David E. Berman, MD (retired) · Answer

what you are describing certainly can happen, with no fault of the surgeon. it was most likely just bad luck and you have been well managed. once the drains are no longer draining for several days, i suspect your surgeon will remove the drains one at a time. you should make a full recovery but it certainly has not been easy for you.hang in there.david berman mdplastic surgeonnorthern va

How long does it take chronic seromas to resolve after a tummy tuck?

Answers (5)

Answer: Seroma

Answer: Seroma

Answer: Wow you have had the TT from hell!!!

Answer: Wow you have had the TT from hell!!!

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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

How long does it take chronic seromas to resolve after a tummy tuck?

Answers (5)

Answer: Seroma

Answer: Seroma

Answer: Wow you have had the TT from hell!!!

Answer: Wow you have had the TT from hell!!!

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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