Three Months After a Tummy Tuck, is It Possible to Develop a Seroma in the Upper Area of the Abdominal /post Surgery?

Question

I had a tummy tuck three months ago. Everthing seemed to be looking real smooth. Now it seems as if there is a small area in the upper ab that has fluid and or is fat. It is not that noticeable, but it bothers me and makes me think my tummy is uneven. I hope it will go away?

Brent Moelleken, MD · Answer

It is very very uncommon to get a seroma in the upper abdomen.  but I guess nothing is impossible...  More likely postoperative swelling or a fat collection.

	For sure. see your plastic surgeon to see what could be causing the problem.  Hopefully just postoperative swelling.

	Patients often expect to have exactly even abdomens after their tummy tucks, but this is not always possible if the different areas of the abdomen are of differing thickness, since it is usually not safe to do aggressive liposuction on the abdomen at the same time as a tummy tuck.

Robert F. Centeno, MD, FACS · Answer

A late seroma is possible.  It can lead to encapsulation which makes treatment more difficult.  Proper diagnosis and treatment is recommended. An ultrasound would help make the diagnosis and treatment. Discuss further with your surgeon.

Erez Sternberg, MD · Answer

The short answer is yes, it is possible to have a delayed seroma occur after a tummy tuck procedure, however, this is uncommon. The best advice for you is to see your plastic surgeon quickly to determine whether that is truly what you have.  If so, you may need to have it drained with placement of a new drain through the skin. 

	What is more common, is that once the swelling has completely subsided after a tummy tuck, some of the upper abdominal skin becomes loose and appears to look like a seroma.  In reality, it is just loose skin left behind (that was unable to be removed) during your tummy tuck surgery.  If this is the case, additional liposuction would be safe to perform about 6 months after recovery from your TT. Hope this helps.

John A. Perrotti, MD · Answer

Yes, it is possible, or may just be fat and/or residual swelling. Although continued observation may be the best treatment, it is best to see your surgeon in case any intervention may be necessary

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

It is possible. It is hard to make any useful comments without some photos. But even with photos, the suggestion would be the same--make an appointment with and see your surgeon. This will be much easier to diagnose in person, and a plan can be made.

	All the best.

Three Months After a Tummy Tuck, is It Possible to Develop a Seroma in the Upper Area of the Abdominal /post Surgery?

Answers (5)

Answer: Late Seroma

Answer: Late Seroma

Answer: Three Months After a Tummy Tuck, is It Possible to Develop a Seroma

Answer: Three Months After a Tummy Tuck, is It Possible to Develop a Seroma

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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Three Months After a Tummy Tuck, is It Possible to Develop a Seroma in the Upper Area of the Abdominal /post Surgery?

Answers (5)

Answer: Late Seroma

Answer: Late Seroma

Answer: Three Months After a Tummy Tuck, is It Possible to Develop a Seroma

Answer: Three Months After a Tummy Tuck, is It Possible to Develop a Seroma

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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