When you have a persistent seroma after tummy tuck at what point is surgery needed & what are chances of it reoccurring? (photo)

Question

8 weeks out of tummy tuck, 5'11 175lb, had drains after, one pulled at 3 weeks and next 6 weeks. Persist seroma needle aspirated 4 times in last 2 weeks. Surgeon suggested surgery at last visit but then aspirated and only got out 60cc which was 120cc/110cc/85cc. Going back Saturday for exam. Had several surgeons on this site say surgery may be next step I'm wondering if body will eventually fix issue and what is chance of reoccurring if surgery is needed?

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

I have seen this and I have come up with a solution that has always worked for me and I have never had to re operate for a seroma.  What I do is place a drainage tube called a pen rose drain through the incision into the seroma space.  It drains outside onto gauze and I leave it in for one week.  It creates a funnel which allows the fluid to completely drain and the seroma space to close behind it.   I have had it work every single time and would be happy to help you. It's a very simple technique that many surgeons haven't used.

Robert M. Lowen, MD · Answer

After eight weeks and a persistent seroma, the seroma cavity is probably established and may form a thick capsule, called a bursa.  At this point even if the seroma cavity can be obliterated, e.g., with doxycycline injection, the bursa may still be a problem. A bursa can feel like a thickened area on the abdominal wall which can be visible. When this occurs, the bursa can be removed with surgery. Although a seroma can occur with the initial surgery and a revisional surgery, at the time of re-operation quilting sutures can be used so there is no space for fluid to accumulate.  I use this method with tummy tucks initially, so I do not have to use drains. Because the space is closed off from the beginning, the chance of a seroma is almost eliminated.  This could be very helpful if revision for bursa removal is needed.

Jason Mussman, MD · Answer

A seroma can be frustrating after an abdominoplasty.  It is not dangerous to wait at this time period.  It sounds like your seroma is very small and may be decreasing in size.  If it does not bother you, you may want to discuss waiting with your surgeon.  On occasion, seromas can spontaneously collapse and resolve.  Other times, surgery is the only option.  They can recur.  I would trust the advice of your plastic surgeon.  He/she will get you through this.  Best of luck.

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

My experience is that multiple aspirations or another drain may be needed but the seroma will eventually resolve.  Surgery is rarely neededDr Corbin

Maan Kattash, MD, FRCS, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

Although uncommon, seroma is a recognized complication after  tummy tuck surgery. They are usually dealt with by multiple aspirations. If this dpes not work, a small drain is inserted to drain the cavity and removed few days later. Hardly, surgery is required to deal with newly developed seromas, especially when picked up and dealt with early, as in your case. Good luck.

When you have a persistent seroma after tummy tuck at what point is surgery needed & what are chances of it reoccurring? (photo)

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Answer: Seroma

Answer: Seroma

Answer: When you have a persistent seroma after tummy tuck at what point is surgery needed & what are chances of it reoccurring? (photo)

Answer: When you have a persistent seroma after tummy tuck at what point is surgery needed & what are chances of it reoccurring? (photo)

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When you have a persistent seroma after tummy tuck at what point is surgery needed & what are chances of it reoccurring? (photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Seroma

Answer: Seroma

Answer: When you have a persistent seroma after tummy tuck at what point is surgery needed & what are chances of it reoccurring? (photo)

Answer: When you have a persistent seroma after tummy tuck at what point is surgery needed & what are chances of it reoccurring? (photo)

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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