Tummy tuck and liver cyst, could fluid build up have caused this?

Question

I had a tummy tuck just over a year ago. I had persistent problems with fluid build up and had fluid aspirated twice a week for weeks. The fluid appeared to dissipate although the feeling of bloat was never gone away. I recently had an ultrasound that showed a large 12cm cyst on my liver. Could the fluid from the surgery have caused this? The cyst must not have been there a year ago as nothing showed on the ultrasounds performed after the surgery?

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

The fluid from the tummy tuck is a seroma that occurs under the skin but above the abdominal muscles and not in any way communicating with the liver.  The ultrasound probably did not focus on the liver since it was done to diagnose the seroma.

Marc DuPéré, MD · Answer

Thank you Virgo for your question. I understand your concerns. Seromas (clear yellowish fluid accumulation) can occur post tummy tuck despites quilting the abdominal flap down to the muscle's fascia and/or the use of drains. That being said, that fluid would not travel into your liver to cause a liver cyst. I believe those 2 are separate and independent processes and their timing purely coincidental.

I would nevertheless consult with a liver specialist as the cyst might need further investigation.

Kind regards,

Dr. Marc DuPere, Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon

I would nevertheless consult with a liver specialist as the cyst might need further investigation.

Kind regards,

Dr. Marc DuPere, Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon

William J. Koenig, MD (retired) · Answer

In a tummy tuck the surgery takes place above the layer of muscle and fascia that contains the organs like  the liver.  Fluid from a tummy tuck is located between the skin and that layer not below that layer.  Therefore a liver cyst would not be related to the tummy tuck surgery or the post operative fluid issues.  Ask your family doctor or GI specialist about the cyst, they can guide you best.

Tummy tuck and liver cyst, could fluid build up have caused this?

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