What could be causing hard lumps in my pubic area after a full tummy tuck with lipo?

Question

I am 3 weeks post op and had increased swelling in my pubic region, the swelling has subsided somewhat now that an area in my incision opened by itself and drained the yellowish fluid. The pubic area is now hard and lumpy but no longer feels as if there is fluid trapped under the skin. What could be the cause of this? My PS put me on antibiotics but that is it.

Christine Rodgers, MD · Answer

Hi lindsey,  The firm areas could be secondary to the seroma that you had and the tissue is now a bit hard due to inflammation in that area. You need to be sure that the area does not swell again nor have spreading redness. If you have any doubts about what is going on, it might be a good idea for you to revisit with your PS.Best,Dr.Christine Rodgers

Ali Mosharrafa, MD · Answer

The best advice I can give you is to stay in contact with your plastic surgeon.   You are still early in your healing process and there can be scar forming, swelling, fluid collections, infection, etc.  Your surgeon is your best resource to navigate these possibilities and provide proper treatment.
Hope this helps.
Dr. Ali Mosharrafa

Robert H. Hunsaker, MD · Answer

It is common for the pubic region to remain quite firm for 6-8 weeks after any sort of surgical inflammation in the area. If there is no remaining fluid, this is the most likely cause and you should expect it to resolve with time.

Fereydoon S. Mahjouri, MD · Answer

It sounds like you had seroma, which forced your incision to open up for partial drainage.The swelling and hardness could be due to either some pockets of seroma or infection. If these area are not responding to antibiotic, your PS may consider imaging or ultra sound examination to find out what is going on requiring some intervention.

James Clayton, MD (retired) · Answer

The areas of lumpy hardness in the pubic area are related to the seroma fluid which collected in the lower abdomen following the tummy tuck.  Massage and time generally help to soften and eventually make the firm areas disappear.  You should followup with your surgeon to be sure that your healing is progressing satisfactorily.

What could be causing hard lumps in my pubic area after a full tummy tuck with lipo?

Answers (5)