Why is my hematoma taking so long to go away? (Photo)

Question

It has been almost 3 mo since my tt and muscle repair. I have a swollen hematoma above my belly button and it hasn't shrunk much at all. Still feels a tad numb.How long do they last? I see my doc at the end of the month. Is this normal?

Juan Carlos Fuentes, MD · Answer

By looking at the photos, it does not seem to be a hematoma at this time. Most probable what you see is the difference in the amount of fat (thickness) that you have above the belly button and below the belly button, this also accentuated by the swelling in the area. During the tummy tuck liposuction is not done in the area above the belly button, this to preserve the blood supply to the abdominal flap and to avoid necrosis of the flap. Once you have 6 to 9 months after the surgery, the swelling is gone and it a better time to evaluate the results, and in case you want to improve that area, you may have some liposuction above the belly button.

Richard J. Brown, MD · Answer

As far out as you are for your surgery you probably have a
seroma or fluid collection at this point. This can resolve on their own but
usually I like to drain them. The problem with waiting too long is the seroma
can form a cavity that keeps filling with fluid. Sometimes they have to be
drained several times. That being said I have no idea what your real situation
is, but when you meet with your surgeon see what they feel is right. As for the
numbness that can take 6 months or more to resolve. --

Ali Mosharrafa, MD · Answer

The best advice I can give is to return to your surgeon and have an ultrasound done to determine if this swelling represents fluid or not.  The fluid can be drained safely if found at the time of ultrasound.  Hope this helps.Dr. Ali Mosharrafa

Hisham Seify, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Clinical follow up is essential. Was there blood aspirated or evacuated ?fluid collection will usually resolve or might need serial aspiration. Small Hematomas could resolve or could need aspiration. In some cases a localized fluid collection could cause organized scarring. Hope that helps

Shaun Parson, MD · Answer

Thanks so much for your question.  I really doubt that after three months this is still a hematoma.  It's likely a seroma at this point. It needs to probably be drained. Have a discussion about things with your doctor at your next appointment.

Why is my hematoma taking so long to go away? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Clinical follow up

Answer: Clinical follow up

Answer: How long will my hematoma take to go away?

Answer: How long will my hematoma take to go away?

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Why is my hematoma taking so long to go away? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Clinical follow up

Answer: Clinical follow up

Answer: How long will my hematoma take to go away?

Answer: How long will my hematoma take to go away?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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