When will my seroma stop?

Question

Had drainless TT and lipo 9 weeks ago. Seroma started day 9. Over 10 aspirations with last being 25cc. PS decided to reopen wound , found fluid on muscle under pouch by belly button. Removed pocket and inserted drain. removed drain day 8 and everything looked great. 2 days later I see fluid. Very depressed. What now.

Thomas P. Sterry, MD · Answer

I am so sorry to read about this problem.  Please be assured that although this is a major inconvenience (to say the least) the seroma is unlikely to cause real health problems - as long as it doesn't become infected.  Every plastic surgeon has contented with seromas, and eventually this one will pass too.Good Luck!

Christian Subbio, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear that you're having a rough go of things.  I think the best thing for you to do at this point would be to see your plastic surgeon again quickly, so that he can drain the fluid before it has a chance to "set" . Being aggressive early on in the course of a seroma makes it less likely that it will recur reaccumulate and need any surgical intervention down the line.  So, visit with your surgeon early, frequently, rest as best you can, and wear your compression garments as per his recommendation.  Best of luck!Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

Erika Sato, MD, FACS · Answer

It is hard to comment on your situation without actually having been in the surgery or the reopening of your wound. A seroma is fluid that our body produces to fill a space. When we do a tummy tuck, we create a large space between the skin and underlying fascia. Most plastic surgeons either use drains or progressive tension sutures to help close down this space. Seromas can form later in the healing process after the drains are removed. In general wearing tight compression helps to reduce chances of seroma and close down the space. A "water pill" such as Lasix (you would also need to take potassium) also helps. Of course draining the seroma frequently also helps to close down the space. If the seroma is there a prolonged period of time, a seroma cavity can form where the body actually creates smooth walls encasing the seroma. At that point it is hard to get the cavity to close down because the "walls" will no longer adhere to each other. Try to relax. This is a known complication of a tummy tuck although annoying. Keep in close contact with your PS and you two will eventually win the fight.

Jacob Bloom, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question, sorry that your postop course has been challenging.  Seromas can be frustrating.  It sounds like your surgeon is doing everything that can be done to drain the fluid.  There are a few other options to consider.   Continue compressive clothing or wearing your binder.  Limiting activities that cause shearing between the the abdominal wall and the abdominal wall flap can help decrease fluid formation as well.   Keep close follow up with your plastic surgeon.  Best of luck.

Paul J. Leahy, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear about your frustrations with your healing process. Seromas are tough, and somewhat unpredictable. The body has a tendency to fill any space between tissues w/ fluid (plasma). This can accumulate, and lead to a pocket of fluid we call a seroma. They are basically harmless, but can lead to discomfort, chance for infection, and undesirable contours, so we try to keep them aspirated. They tend to settle down by 4-6 weeks, but can last longer like in your case. Really, all you can do is close follow up w/ your surgeon to keep that site drained, and consider compressive clothing. Hang in there. Best wishes.

When will my seroma stop?

Answers (5)

More Tummy Tuck Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (5)

More Tummy Tuck Questions

Combined procedure: can laparoscopic hysterectomy and tummy tuck be done at the same time?

Why some belly buttons get dark after Tummy Tuck?

I just had a Tummy tuck on March 16th. Is it normal to have nose bleeds and a lil blood in my spit?

18 days post op full Tummy tuck and my one JP drain is still draining up to 100 ML's of dark cold blood in 24 hours. (photo)

How long after I have a Tummy tuck with muscle repair can I work out?

My doctor lied to me about my procedure. What should I do? (Photo)

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS