How Long Do You Have to Wear a Binder if You Have a Seroma? (photo)

Question

I had a tummy tuck 40 days ago. I have been having repeated aspirations to remove the fluid from a seroma since 23 days post-op. I was also told to wear my binder extra tight to reduce the fluid build up. At first, my seroma was draining around 180cc and now its around 35 cc. My PS says I am very swollen in my peri area. I will be 6 weeks post-op in 3 days. I included pictures I took today on day 40. How long do you have to wear a binder after you have had a seroma?

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Hello!  Thank you for your question!.  The tummy tuck procedure is an 
excellent method for contouring of your abdomen, often removing the 
excess skin as well as tightening the abdominal wall.  After nearly all 
surgical procedures, a potential space is created from where the 
surgical procedure/dissection was performed.  This is especially true 
for the tummy tuck, in where the abdominal flap is raised off of the 
abdominal wall and then redraped atop the area to contour the abdomen.  
The procedure alone promotes swelling and inflammation, which typically 
lasts for 6-12 weeks.  This may even last longer if liposuction has been
 performed in addition.  During this time, a few things may be done to 
allow adherence of the abdominal skin/soft tissue to readhere to the 
abdominal wall and close that space.  Many surgeons use drains to 
evacuate the expected serous fluid from building up.  Stagnant fluid as 
such may be a nidus for infection as well as does not allow the tissue 
to adhere back to its normal anatomic position.  Drains usually are 
removed once output is <30cc/day - usually removed within 3-4 weeks 
on average, sometimes longer.  When this occurs, a seroma may develop - 
which may require aspiration or surgical evacuation to rid this in order
 to optimize your result.  This is not an uncommon reason for 
persistent swelling and/or bulging in a certain area of your belly.  Of 
course, thwarting the development of a pseudobursa, or seroma capsule, 
is always best, to provide the best result as well as avoid any future 
procedures for this.  This may be a troubling consequence and often 
compromises your overall result.  Thus avoiding this complication, in 
whatever manner, is the objective.  "Drainless" tummy tucks are becoming
 more popular - basically, the overlying tissue is physically sutured to
 the abdominal wall to close the potential space.  In addition, most 
surgeons typically restrict vigorous activity/strenuous exercise as well
 as lifting restrictions of usually <20#, especially the core, for 
6-8 weeks to allow healing to continue.  Most also often recommend an 
abdominal compression-type binder or garment, which will serve to 
provide 
compression as well as assist to decrease swelling and eliminate the 
dead-space of the area for at least 6 weeks as well.  After the initial 
binder, many patients like the Spanx garments.   Most patients are 
able to return to most activities within a couple of weeks, provided 
they adhere to the restrictions.  Overall, this is a procedure 
with a high satisfaction rate.  Discuss the procedure and postoperative 
instructions/restrictions with your surgeon, as these will vary among 
surgeons.  Hope that this helps!  Best wishes!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and pictures.

	Your plastic surgeon will be able to guide you in regard to the use of binder/garment;  since he/she knows your situation best  I would follow his/her recommendations as opposed to online consultants.

	It sounds like you are over the worse part of recovery. Best wishes.

David Bogue, MD · Answer

Each patient is individualized as to how long they need their binder. From your description, the seroma is improving and seems likely to resolve without further intervention. Your surgeon will dictate how long you need to wear the binder.

Steven Turkeltaub, MD · Answer

It appears that your seroma is resolving under the care of your plastic surgeon. As he/she is your treating doctor who knows your situation quite well, I would follow his/her recommendations.

Kamran Khoobehi, MD · Answer

The treatment for the seroma is aspiration and external compression. Your surgeon is taking care of the problem and you will be fine. I would suggest reinsertion of the drain and leaving it for a week . There are special drain that are designed for this.

How Long Do You Have to Wear a Binder if You Have a Seroma? (photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Seroma and binder wearing after a tummy tuck

Answer: Seroma and binder wearing after a tummy tuck

Answer: You may need to have drain reinserted

Answer: You may need to have drain reinserted

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 Do You Have to Wear a Binder if You Have a Seroma? (photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Seroma and binder wearing after a tummy tuck

Answer: Seroma and binder wearing after a tummy tuck

Answer: You may need to have drain reinserted

Answer: You may need to have drain reinserted

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.