Blood filled pocket in abdomen after Smart Lipo. Is there a point where draining with a needle won't help?

Question

About 12 days after smart lipo of upper and lower abs an flanks I noticed a bulge like area to the right of my belly button that was soft to the touch and cause a wave like affect that rippled up my side when touched. Saw my PS, 1st time he drained 100ccs, the next day another 40ccs of blood from the pocket. It is filling up again although not as much as the first time. Is there a point where draining with a needle won't help?

Marco A. Pelosi III, MD, FACOG, FACS · Answer

Seromas can sometimes be difficult to empty out completely. If needles don't do the job, it is sometimes necessary to do more. Sometimes a drain needs to be placed. Other times a trip to the OR to clean things out is needed. Sometimes ultrasound is helpful to see how far the seroma extends.

Christopher T. Chia, MD · Answer

It sounds like from your description that you have a fluid collection in the same space where the fat was removed. Occasionally, fluid accumulates in the space left behind following liposuction in a larger amount than the body can get rid of on its own and is known as a seroma. If the fluid is blood, it is called a hematoma. In either case, serial aspirations (removing the fluid by needle and syringe over a few days) and compression of the area usually takes care of it. In unusual cases where the fluid re-accummulates after many aspirations or when multiple office visits are not possible, placement of a temporary drain may help. In any case, this condition should be addressed in a timely fashion because, if left alone, there may be irreversible changes to the skin that may occur.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It sounds like you actually have a seroma which can happen after liposuction but is not common.  Repeated aspirations often do the trick.

Blood filled pocket in abdomen after Smart Lipo. Is there a point where draining with a needle won't help?

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Blood filled pocket in abdomen after Smart Lipo. Is there a point where draining with a needle won't help?

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Smart Lipo

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