Should my seroma be removed surgically? (photos)

Question

I had a TT with MR on 3-22-16. My drains were removed 10dpo and I developed a seroma 13dpo. It was drained 2x and seemed to go away but I was never as flat as prior to the seroma. I was given the okay to start exercising at 10wpo. Within a week a very hard, large, softbatull sized lump appeared the same area as my previous seroma. I saw my PS and he said it was a seroma. I've had it drained 3x so far. I'm back to wearing compression and restricted activity. What is the correct treatment? Thanks

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,This is a problem. I would attempt at least two weeks of aspirations, possible every 48 hours. If the seroma doesn't shrink and subside, You may need a surgery to remove the capsule that may have formed. If you did decide to have surgery, I would make sure that the surgeon doesn't use a drain again, but instead plicating sutures to obliterate the cavity. Best of luck!

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

A seroma is the most common complication after a tummy tuck procedure.  Usually serial aspirations (drainage) will resolve the problem.At this point if you were my patient I would continue with the drainage in the office to help this resolve.  Compression in that area after the drainage is very important, as is restricting your activity between the office visits and drainage.In very rare circumstances, the drainage will not resolve the issue and it may require a trip to the operating room to removed/excise the seroma cavity.Hope that helps.  I would suggest you continue on and follow your surgeons guidance.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

For seromas that do not improve with serial drainage, excision of the seroma cavity is indicated.  It is a trip to the OR so you may want to try serial drainage a bit more before doing the procedure.  Best wishes, Dr. T.

Susan Kaweski, MD · Answer

it is important to completely drain the seroma. Aspiration is a very logical technique but at this point it needs aggresive almost daily aspirations along with compressive dressings. However, if the seroma persists, usually surgery is required to remove the capsule or scar tissue surrounding the seroma and another drain is placed.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

can be challenging.  But when this long out from your procedure, most surgeons would attempt sclerosing the cavity that is now well established and if this failed, then you are looking at returning to the OR for a formal repair that would involved removing as much of the cavity wall and anchoring sutures.  Best of luck...

Should my seroma be removed surgically? (photos)

Answers (9)

Answer: Post op seroma

Answer: Post op seroma

Answer: Management of seromas

Answer: Management of seromas

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.

Should my seroma be removed surgically? (photos)

Answers (9)

Answer: Post op seroma

Answer: Post op seroma

Answer: Management of seromas

Answer: Management of seromas

Browse related questions

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.