Encapsulated seroma after abdominoplasty, am I still a candidate for liposuction? 10 years post op

Question

Hello i have a encapsulated seroma after an abdominal pasty (10 years) i have had it now and just accepted it i don't have pain i have more fat on top of it that i feel is making it more noticeable, i was wondering can you have liposuction with a encapsulated seroma / cronic seroma or does the seroma have ti be removed surgically as well before having the liposuction. Thank you

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Fierce178593,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

The seroma should first be removed and then liposuction can be done in that area. You do need to heal between each session.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

I’m guessing you’ll find each surgeon will have their own answer to your question. It’s not certain if what you’re asking is to have liposuction specifically over the chronic seroma to even out the contour instead of having the Seroma be removed.
Liposuction would not be a particularly good contouring device to hide the evidence of having the seroma in the correct procedure if it bothers you it’s a habit excised with the entire capsule with the placement of a drain.
Unfortunately the only time it can be successfully eliminated by drainage is early and that requires draining it frequently preferably on a daily basis until it no longer appears.
If you know overall good candidate for Liposuction and incidentally happen to have an Old encapsulated seroma then I’m guessing most plastic surgeons would feel comfortable doing liposuction. It would be helpful if you included pictures and what areas you want to have treated with Liposuction.
Delivering consistent quality liposuction results is more difficult than most people believe and this includes a fair number of plastic surgeons.
Before considering liposuction that plastic surgeons thoroughly by having in person consultations at which time you should ask them to open up their portfolio and show you their entire collection of before and after pictures or at least as many as they are willing to.
Defined someone sufficiently talented to deliver consistent quality results may take interviewing a few plastic surgeons.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Encapsulated seroma after abdominoplasty, am I still a candidate for liposuction? 10 years post op

Answers (3)