2 years after mini tummy tuck, fluid is still present. Should I be concerned and is this common?

It’s simple to resolve a seroma after tummy tuck once and for all. You need to have a Penrose drain placed in the space to allow the fluid to drain to the outside. Then the seroma will close up on its own over the course of a week. I’ve done this several times and it never fails

A fluid collection or seroma is an uncommon complication of the procedure. As it has been there for as long as two years, there is likely a capsule surrounding the fluid. It is probably worth repeating the aspiration a few more times, but it's possible you may have to the the capsule surgically removed.

Thanks for your question. It is difficult to give an in-depth answer without an inspersion examination. Since you are following up with your surgeon, I would keep going to your appointments and make sure they are in the loop with your symptoms. Good luck!

The presence of fluid, also known as seroma, after a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a known complication that can occur in some cases. However, the persistence of fluid two years after the surgery is less common and may warrant attention. Here are some considerations:

Consult Your Surgeon: If you are experiencing persistent fluid accumulation two years after a mini tummy tuck, it is advisable to consult with your plastic surgeon. They can assess your specific situation, conduct a physical examination, and may recommend imaging studies such as ultrasound to evaluate the extent of the issue.

Possible Causes:

Seroma: Seromas are collections of clear fluid that can accumulate after surgery. They are more common in the early postoperative period but can persist.
Hematoma: Collections of blood (hematoma) can also occur after surgery and may mimic the appearance of seromas.
Incomplete Closure: In some cases, the issue may be related to incomplete closure of the surgical site or other issues with the surgical technique.

Treatment Options:

Drainage: Depending on the extent of the fluid collection, drainage may be recommended to remove the accumulated fluid. This can be done through aspiration or placing a drain.
Revision Surgery: In some cases, especially if there are issues with the initial surgery, revision surgery may be considered to address any underlying problems and improve the outcome.
Risk Factors: Certain factors, such as the extent of the initial procedure, the presence of underlying medical conditions, and the individual's healing response, can influence the risk of complications like persistent fluid accumulation.

It's important not to ignore persistent issues, as they may indicate an underlying problem that needs attention. Only a qualified plastic surgeon, who can assess your specific case, can provide appropriate recommendations and determine the best course of action to address the ongoing fluid accumulation. If you are experiencing any discomfort, changes in appearance, or other concerns, seeking a consultation with your surgeon is advisable.

In very few patients, fluid (seroma) may come back months after surgery and stay there for a long time, even if removed, like in your case. Removal under US guidance needs to be repeated as long as needed; in some case remedies like abtibiotic, corticosteroid, may be injected into the cavity to help cavity closure. Surgical treatment by means of drain placement or revision of seroma cavity may be also considered. You have to be in a constant contact with your surgeon until this condition is not treated. Good luck.

Hi. Seroma is unfortunately one of the possible complications of abdominoplasty surgery. It is very likely that at two years you have a seroma cavity that is surrounded by a shell of scar tissue. Even if it were possible to dry up the fluid, the scar tissue 'ball' will leave an area of swelling. It is usually necessary to remove the scar tissue seroma cavity with a surgical procedure. I recommend you ask your surgeon about this. All the best.

Dear bltpen1960,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Seroma formation is not common two years after surgery. If it does occur it may take several aspiration treatments for the fluid accumulation to resolve. If it still doesn't your surgeon may elect to place a drain until it resolves. I encourage you to discuss concerns and questions with your surgeon.

No, it is not common for fluid, a seroma, to still be present, but it can occur. At this time, the capsule or wall of the seroma may need to be removed so it will not occur again.

A fluid collection after surgery is called a seroma. they are fairly common after tummy tuck surgery.
They are generally eliminated with the use of surgical drains that should be left in long enough that no fluid collection forms after drain removal.
If it fluid collection forms it needs to be drained continuously or on a very regular basis in order for it to not become chronic.A fluid collection will prevent the tissue surfaces from being in contact preventing them from sealing together.
Eventually the surfaces will create a layer of scar tissue called the capsule at which point you can no longer treat the seroma by draining the fluid.
Draining of the fluid should be done immediately upon diagnosing the condition. The best way to manage it is to have an interventional radiologist place a drain and keep the drain in until the output basically stops. an alternative is to have the fluid drained on a regular basis preferably on a daily or as close to daily as possible. as long as fluid builds up the tissue surfaces cannot be in contact and will not heal correctly.
It’s a lot of work and a lot of driving to plastic surgeons offices with multiple needle sticks but it’s the correct way to prevent the chronic seroma formation.
Once it’s encapsulated draining will no longer work.
At this point you can either live with a seroma or you’ll need to have it excised surgically. with surgical excision the entire capsule needs to be removed and the drain needs to be placed and not taken out until there’s no fluid coming out.
I’ll plastic surgeons should know how to manage a seroma.
I’m not sure why plastic surgeons are reluctant to doing the work necessary to prevent fluid collections from becoming permanent.
Removing the fluid once or twice is pointless.
It needs to be continuously drained so the tissue surfaces can remain in contact.
Having a chronic seroma isn’t necessarily dangerous or a bad thing. If it doesn’t bother you you can leave it like it is or follow up with your provider or consult with another plastic surgeon if you want to have it removed.
Simply draining it will not work at this point. injecting it with various medication‘s or chemicals will also not eliminate the seroma once it’s chronic.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD