4 weeks post TT and can feel a wave/bubbles on the side of me when I press down. Is this a seroma?

Question

I had a TT almost 4 weeks ago and everything has been fine. I had my drains taken out after 16 days. I think I have a seroma. I’m not exactly sure. But when I press down on one side of my stomach I can feel a little wave or bubble on the sides of me. My contour doesn’t look swollen, I don’t look out of the ordinary and I feel great (no fever or problems with incision lines) . I see my doctor late this week but should I been worried? And if it is a small seroma will my body absorb it?

Stephen Bresnick, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and congrats on getting your Tummy Tuck done.  Seromas often are painless accumulations of fluid beneath your skin and are commonly seen after tummy tuck.  If your drains were in for over 10 days, it is likely that you have an accumulation of fluid.  I would suggest giving your doctor a call and describing what you see and how you feel.  Seromas can be drained painlessly in the office.  Of course, if there is redness, pain, or other issues, see your doctor today.   Best wishes!

Ron Soltero, MD, FACS · Answer

dear Patient: thanks so much for your question.  I would recommend you call your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and have him examine you ! Hope this helps!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear kiakinkss08,I understand your concern. Based on your description, it sounds like you might have problem with seroma.  However, without a proper assessment it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment. Only after thorough examination you can get proper recommendations and advice.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Tim Sayed, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

It is not uncommon for a patient to develop a seroma after tummy tuck surgery, even if drains were previously used. The symptoms are exactly as you describe - a sloshing, undulating water wave (like a waterbed). It's nothing to worry about; if clinically significant, your surgeon will drain it with a small needle under local anesthesia (perhaps needing to repeat that a few times over a couple of weeks) and it most likely will subside. Rarely, a new drain might need to be placed if the seroma does not resolve with serial drainages. Once the fluid volume is down to about 20cc of potential space, your body is likely to absorb the fluid and seal the space. If it is very uncomfortable, you may want to go in before your scheduled appointment, but otherwise it can usually wait a few days.

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Based on the description you may have seroma. I recommend you to see your PS for evaluation.

Nick Masri, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on your tummy tuck, kiakinkss08!
The bubbles beneath your skin might be an early sign of infection, so it’s important to watch out for other signs of infection like, redness, pain, and fever.
Still, we can’t be certain unless you go for a physical consult. Don’t skip on your follow up consultations with your reputable and board-certified plastic surgeon. For now, continue observing for other signs.
Best of luck!

Alain Polynice, MD · Answer

It is possible to still have a small fluid collection or serum under the skin, even after 4 weeks. Small seromas usually resolve on their own but if you can feel the fluid i would recommend aspiration. You should definitely bring this to the attention of your surgeon. 
Best of luck
Alain Polynice, MD, FACS
New York Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

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

Thank you for the question and your description fits that of a seroma so see your surgeon and be evaluated Dr Corbin

Edward J. Domanskis, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

Seromas are still one of the most common problems after TT even though a drain is placed.TISSU GLU may eliminate using a drain. In most cases the seroma may just resolve by itself if small or needs to be drained. Sometimes, a seroma catheter is paced and sometimes this is done under ultrasound.

4 weeks post TT and can feel a wave/bubbles on the side of me when I press down. Is this a seroma?

Answers (9)

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