7 weeks post op...seroma after tummy tuck? (photo)

Question

I am 7 wks post TT. One side of the incision has been open for some time due to non healing. Now I seem to have developed some hard lump that is incredibly painful. The fluid around it is swishy but the one area that is inflamed and hard is solid. This is under a healed area. The surgeon said to heat it and return in ten days. ( he tried to drain other areas four times over the last few weeks) Today it was excruciating. Any advice appreciated. Thank you!

Steven H. Williams, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question -The firm mass you have is unlikely to be a seroma it is more likely fat necrosis.  You should absolutely continue to have close follow-up with your plastic surgeon to manage both the seroma and this area of firmness.

Amy T. Bandy, DO, FACS · Answer

You should be seen ASAP, the redness that is apparent appears to be infected.  You may have an infected hematoma, since you feel a very hard mass with fluid around it.  Best to be seen and evaluated immediately. Good luck!

James C. Grotting, MD, FACS · Answer

From your photographs and your history, it would appear that
you may have a seroma.  The redness that has
been marked out indicate that there may be inflammation there, which could lead
to infection of the seroma fluid.  The
seroma cavity may be loculated (have inner chambers) that may make draining the
fluid completely difficult to do in the office.  In general, if a loculated seroma does not respond to serial aspirations
in the office, it may need to be removed by reopening the incision and cleaning
it out.  I would recommend that you speak
with your plastic surgeon about the possibility of excising the seroma cavity
in the operating room if serial aspiration does not solve the problem.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Best to obtain a scan to see the volume/size of the fluid collection in the tissue of your tummy tuck...

Remus Repta, MD · Answer

Hello,Redness, pain, and swelling may indicate infection.  Worsening symptoms should lead you and your plastic surgeon to do something different such as start antibiotics or open up part of the incision.  If conservative treatment does not take care of the issue opening up part of the incision to both diagnose and treat the issue may be the best course of action.All the best,Dr. Remus Repta

7 weeks post op...seroma after tummy tuck? (photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: TT seroma!

Answer: TT seroma!

Answer: Possible infection after tummy tuck

Answer: Possible infection after tummy tuck

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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

7 weeks post op...seroma after tummy tuck? (photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: TT seroma!

Answer: TT seroma!

Answer: Possible infection after tummy tuck

Answer: Possible infection after tummy tuck

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.