MRI showed edema in my flank 6 months after TT and liposuction. What should I do?

Question

I have done TT with liposuction 6 months ago. 2months after the surgery I’ve been experiencing a bad pain in one side of my tummy. It got red, warmth and very swollen. My surgeon gave me IV antibiotic and it got better. I had MRI, it should edema in my flank. The pain is very bad,Pulling sensations and swollen.what should I do? My surgeon gives up and keeps saying the amount of the fluid is not drainable! Please guide me. The pain is awful and the area gets infected from time to time.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Even if there’s no drainage or pus there now it could develop and need to be drained. I would see your surgeon untrue it either resolved with antibiotics or turns into a pus pocket. If it runs into a pus pocket it’s pretty obvious

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question about recovery from tummy tuck.

For specific questions like this and about your recovery in general, it is best to speak directly with your doctor or doctor’s representative – such as his or her nurse, or the physician on call for the practice.

You will likely get many differing opinions from members of the RealSelf Community, but they have not personally seen or examined you. Nobody should know you or your unique set of circumstances better than your doctor.

If you feel you are not being listened to or you are doubting your doctor’s recommendations, then it is certainly within your rights to seek a second opinion and get the advice from another board certified physician. This should be done through an in-person consultation with a thorough evaluation, including a review of your history, review of all prior treatment and with a physical examination.

Obviously, if you think that you are having a medical emergency or other serious problem, you should call 911 and/or go to your nearest emergency room.

Best Wishes.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear marwah alani,
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

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Your photo did not show the whole report. I would suggest seeing another surgeon and getting another opinion. Your internal sutures might have a low grade infection.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear of the issues you have had since surgery.  Your symptoms describe a potential infection.  I encourage you to see your surgeon about your concerns.  If your surgeon is unable to help you may need to see a specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Mark Eberbach, MD · Answer

Persistent swelling, redness and swelling spell infection until proven otherwise.

This sounds to be an atypical bacteria infection if it is one. An example is mycobacterium fortuitum or marinum for example.

These can be very hard to diagnose and treat. Suggest this to your surgeon. Maybe get a consult with an infectious disease specialist. There may be blood tests to identify it or biopsy for culture.

Good luck.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

If you keep having recurrent infections then they are ya needs to be opened explored and drained.
Usually recurrent infections indicate there’s a fluid collection or form body that’s contaminated.
Your surgeon should consider sending you to an interventional radiologist if he’s not willing to drain the fluid pocket. Without proper drainage or surgical exploration your infection will never clear up.
Infections are serious and can become life-threatening.
If you have an active infection then this is not something that can be ignored.
If your provider is not willing or capable of managing your situation then you need to find one who is.
Like I said you may want to suggest you’re a surgeon since you do an interventional radiologist who have the ability to drain fluids in a way that surgeons can’t.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Jeffrey C. Hamm, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
In order to diagnose complicated medical problems, one needs a thorough history and physical examination, results of previous consultations and treatments, as well as results of all ancillary studies. 
You have a history of abdominoplasty 6 months ago, a treated apparent postoperative infection 4 months ago. You are experiencing one sided abdominal pain and episodic re-infections.
The undated MRI shows postoperative swelling of the right flank without evidence of hematoma or abscess. No injuries to muscle or internal organs were identified. 
Pain of this magnitude associated with episodic infection is not normal. Without the benefit of more information and an examination, I cannot guess the nature of your pain.
You require thorough evaluation and in-person examination by a board certified plastic surgeon.
I recommend close continued follow-up with your surgeon. If you feel uncomfortable with your physician, consider a second opinion.
Best wishes...

MRI showed edema in my flank 6 months after TT and liposuction. What should I do?

Answers (8)

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