I had a tummy tuck procedure in Colombia five months ago, and I kept getting small seroma, which the Colombian doctor drained. When I came back to the US the collection of fluids remained but couldn’t find a doctor that would drain it for me. I’ve tried heat, diuretics, sauna, everything but with no luck. Do I need another surgery to remove the seroma?
March 26, 2019
Answer: Seroma Jovencita (young),The issues with doing surgical procedures abroad are when you experience complications. After 5 months of a chronic fluid collection (seroma), you probably have a capsule formed around the collection which will not readily collapse with drainage alone. You may want to seek out an Interventional Radiologist (IR Radiologist) who can use an ultrasound to locate the fluid pocket, polace a drain and then inject a sclerosing agent which makes the walls of the seroma irritated. Draining the fluid and then wearing a garment with the drain in place for up to a week usually reduces or cures most seromas. Sometimes, a second sclerosing trial is required.Alternately, you may seek out a board certified Plastic Surgeon who may open the pocket up and remove the seroma lining, place a drain and use a compressive garment until the drainage is minimal.Best of luck.Dr T
Helpful 2 people found this helpful
March 26, 2019
Answer: Seroma Jovencita (young),The issues with doing surgical procedures abroad are when you experience complications. After 5 months of a chronic fluid collection (seroma), you probably have a capsule formed around the collection which will not readily collapse with drainage alone. You may want to seek out an Interventional Radiologist (IR Radiologist) who can use an ultrasound to locate the fluid pocket, polace a drain and then inject a sclerosing agent which makes the walls of the seroma irritated. Draining the fluid and then wearing a garment with the drain in place for up to a week usually reduces or cures most seromas. Sometimes, a second sclerosing trial is required.Alternately, you may seek out a board certified Plastic Surgeon who may open the pocket up and remove the seroma lining, place a drain and use a compressive garment until the drainage is minimal.Best of luck.Dr T
Helpful 2 people found this helpful
