I had a panniculectomy on March 1st. I am just wondering if the skin/tissue needs to reconnect to the abdominal muscles (photo)

Question

There are two spots neat my belly button that are bulging. How do I know if it is a seroma?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding bulging areas on your abdomen after a panniculectomy. It is impossible to tell without a physical examination if you have a seroma or not. It is important you follow up with your plastic surgeon to determine if this is normal due to post-operative swelling or is indeed a seroma. All patients swell after a panniculectomy.  Therefore, post-operative swelling is not uncommon, but not all patients develop a seroma. If it is indeed a seroma, seromas can usually be easily managed by needle aspiration done in the office under local anesthesia. The seroma may need to be drained several times before complete resolution. It takes approximately 3 to 4 weeks for the skin to stick to the abdominal wall on average. Thank you for your question regarding swelling of the abdominal wall after a panniculectomy. I hope that I have answered your question regarding swelling of the abdomen after a panniculectomy.  I specialize in reconstructive plastic surgery after weight loss.  If you have any more questions regarding the panniculectomy, tummy tuck, extended tummy tuck, high lateral tension tummy tuck, abdominoplasty, lower body lift, 360 circumferential lower body lift, belt lipectomy, belt abdominoplasty, or belt dermolipectomy, please contact my office. Since the panniculectomy or extended tummy tuck are big procedures, please seek an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing the panniculectomy or extended tummy tuck. Do your research.  Make sure they have performed at least 100 panniculectomies or extended tummy tuck surgeries and have the before and after pictures to prove it.  Carefully examine their before and after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf.   If you cannot find an experienced, panniculectomy or extended tummy tuck surgeon in your neighborhood, consider traveling out of state if you must. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

I had a panniculectomy on March 1st. I am just wondering if the skin/tissue needs to reconnect to the abdominal muscles (photo)

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Everything you need to know about Panniculectomy

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I had a panniculectomy on March 1st. I am just wondering if the skin/tissue needs to reconnect to the abdominal muscles (photo)

Answers (1)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Panniculectomy

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