I am 2 weeks post abdominoplasty and got hard hemetoma . Is it ok to leave it alone to self heal? (photo)

Question

Hard hematoma after 2 weeks of abdominoplasty . lot of pressure. The entire solidified blood is above my incision with a swelling on my belly and red around bb. met my PS today - he aspirated some with syringe - it was thick and only 15c came . He asked to do warm compress - would Absorb naturally. I trust my PS . It's just scared for tummy hardening and lot of tug on stitches. what are you doing differently for similar condition in your patients and when should I know it needs to be operated?

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Thank you for your pictures. I definitely use a different route. If this truly is a hematoma and is to be removed. This will only lead to infection and a poor result

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

I recommend an insertion of a drain by interventional radiology, ultrasound guided insertion. Ask your PS about this idea...

Remus Repta, MD · Answer

Dear Gigi,It is true that small hematomas can be managed conservatively with observation.  The body will start to break down the hematoma and the resulting seroma can be aspirated.  If the incision healing is affected, if the hematoma becomes infected, or if there are other issues that are worsening, a surgical approach should then be taken to evacuate the hematoma.  Your plastic surgeon can guide you along this process.  Some consideration should be given to the health of the surrounding tissues as significant pressure can lead to some fat necrosis.  Another consideration is the possibility of a pseudo-bursa formation secondary to the hematoma.All the best,Dr. Remus Repta

Anh Lee, MD, FACS · Answer

I would continue on the advice of your plastic surgeon as he has done all your exams.  You should see him on a weekly basis to see the progress.  What you can look for is that you develop fevers of 101.8 or higher, an odor, or if the redness gets worse and starts to spread.  Any of these signs can be infection so you want to make sure you call your plastic surgeon if you have any of these signs.

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

If a patient of mine were that early post op I would take them back to surgery and remove all the blood, obtain meticulous hemostasis over a drain, put in tacking sutures and closeDr Corbin

I am 2 weeks post abdominoplasty and got hard hemetoma . Is it ok to leave it alone to self heal? (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Hematoma after tummy tuck

Answer: Hematoma after tummy tuck

Answer: Hematoma

Answer: Hematoma

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I am 2 weeks post abdominoplasty and got hard hemetoma . Is it ok to leave it alone to self heal? (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Hematoma after tummy tuck

Answer: Hematoma after tummy tuck

Answer: Hematoma

Answer: Hematoma

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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.