Can I go to an emergency room to remove the rest of the liquid?

Question

If I can't travel back to where I got my surgery can I go to an emergency room to remove the rest of the liquid from the tummy tuck and lipo?

Paul Vitenas, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank
you very much for your question.  The
emergency room is not the place to have a follow-up for a tummy tuck
procedure.  Find a Board Certified
plastic surgeon in your area; he/she will take care of you and this
complication.  If you go to an emergency
room to have the excess liquid removed, the staff will - more than likely -
simply refer you to a plastic surgeon.

Paul M. Parker, MD, FACS · Answer

You should find a plastic surgeon to evaluate you, drain the collected fluid if appropriate and follow you to be sure it doesn't re occur. The doctors who work in an emergency room will not be able to do that and will likely refer you to a plastic surgeon.

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

The Emergency Room is not the place to have the complications of your tummy tuck addressed.  You need to find a plastic surgeon.   If you had your surgery out  of the country in order to save money then you are going to have to go to the University Hospital Plastic Surgery Department and hope that they will take care of you.

Boris Mordkovich, MD · Answer

This is not a good idea. It sounds like you are having seroma - not unusual occurence  after tummy tuck. This is not an emergency and is also beyond the scope of their practice. Even if you go to ER most likely you will be referred to a plastic surgeon. Dealing with seroma requires special training and experience. Your best option is to seek a consultation and treatment by a plastic surgery specialist. Good luck.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

If you have a seroma that requires draining, then if you go to the ER, a plastic surgeon may be called to see you. The bad news is that you will have to pay for the ER costs which are not insubstantial. This is certainly one of the problematic consequences of medical tourism. Good luck!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

In my opinion, this is not the best option. I worry about issues such as experience, sterility ( infection concerns) in an emergency room environment, and follow-up concerns. Remember, that several episodes of aspiration of a seroma may be necessary before it dissipates completely. Best to establish a relationship with a board certified plastic surgeon in your area if possible. Best wishes.

Can I go to an emergency room to remove the rest of the liquid?

Answers (6)

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