Can my primary physician drain my seroma or left behind tumescent fluid?

Question

I was told by the surgeon that I must come in for an aspiration due to the fluid I have found that moves like the "waterbed" symptom. I would have to travel 6 hours from home for him to do this. Told him it would be more convenient if I let my family doctor drain the fluid and he said I would be "opening up a can of worms" I am having so much faith that this would only have to be done ONCE. Is it possible that my own primary doctor is able do this?

Mariusz Sapijaszko, MD, FRCPC · Answer

Seromas after liposuction can happen but are not very common. The best thing is to see your liposuction doctor first and then discuss seroma management.

William Andrade, MD · Answer

I think you would need to check with your own family doctor.  However, I personally would not want to ask a family physician to do this for one of my patients.  They would not be accustomed to dealing with this issue and I doubt they would feel very comfortable having to manage it.  When patients come to me from a long distance I always tell them that they need to account for follow-up appointments to make sure they get proper aftercare.  This is all part of getting a good longterm result.

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, there.  I can understand 6 hour travel time; however, I think you should follow-up with your plastic surgeon for your surgery, including aspiration of fluid.  Your plastic surgeon performed surgery on you and "knows" your body.  He should be qualified in managing post-operative complication whereas I wonder if a family doctor is trained or qualified to address plastic surgery issue.  Good luck with your recovery.

David Finkle, MD · Answer

Seromas are a collection of fluid, usually plasma, lymph and liquefied fat cells that can accumulate after any procedure.  They need to be drained, to allow the skin to "stick" back down.  This is a simple office visit where a small needle is placed through a numb skin area to aspirate the fluid.  A compression dressing/garment is then placed to help prevent a repeat seroma.  Most seromas will drain for weeks, be patient and allow your surgeon to drain these as often as needed.  Any person can drain a seroma, even a nurse.Good Luck!

Joel B. Singer, MD · Answer

A seroma is pretty easy to drain and your primary care doctor should be able to do it if he/she feels comfortable with the technique. Most doctors prefer to treat their own follow ups and do whatever is needed after the surgery themselves, but given the circumstances, I think your suggestion makes a lot of sense.Cheers

Can my primary physician drain my seroma or left behind tumescent fluid?

Answers (6)

Answer: Seromas are not uncommon after liposuctioin

Answer: Seromas are not uncommon after liposuctioin

Answer: Tumescent Fluid after Liposuction

Answer: Tumescent Fluid after Liposuction

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Can my primary physician drain my seroma or left behind tumescent fluid?

Answers (6)

Answer: Seromas are not uncommon after liposuctioin

Answer: Seromas are not uncommon after liposuctioin

Answer: Tumescent Fluid after Liposuction

Answer: Tumescent Fluid after Liposuction

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tumescent Liposuction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.