Will a Seroma Go Away on It's Own?

Question

I had a TT 2.5 weeks ago and suspect I may have a seroma - the wave is there when I tap on my belly. My surgeon dismissed the idea of it when I asked at my 1 week appointment. I am 4 hours away from my surgeon and am wondering if this will be absorbed by my body? I am going for physio/massage therapy to have the scar tissue worked on, is this something they may be familiar with or can treat? I obviously know my surgeon is best however, he dismissed it initially and is so far away. Thank you.

Sacha Obaid, MD · Answer

A series can occasionally complicate an otherwise perfect tummy tuck procedure.  Many surgeons will place drains at the time of the tummy tuck to try and prevent this.  That being said, even drains don't prevent all seromas.  If you have a seroma, my recommendation would be to have surgeon drain it.  Drainage combined with compression will resolve most seromas.  If that fails to resolve the problem, your surgeon may choose to either place a small drain in it or inject a medicine that causes the pocket to close up.

	Your problem of distance raises another issue.  I have many patients that fly into see me and I understand that follow up can be difficult in this situation.  That being said, this is 2012 and we have lots of great ways to communicate including emails of pictures or videos, video chat, texting of pictures, etc..  If you are concerned and just can't make the drive to see your surgeon, I would contact his or her office and see if one of these communication methods can get you the answer you need.  All the best.

Gregory T. Lynam, MD · Answer

It may go away but in  my opinion they should be drained. Your doctor can place a small drain in the office and leave it in if you live far away. you can have him take it out or a family doctor when it stops draining since it is held in place with only one or two sutures, Good Luck!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Eventually, a seroma will either be walled off or will be absorbed.  If the fluid collection affects the look of the tummy, this should be drained.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Despite your experience with your plastic surgeon “dismissing” your concerns, I still think that he is in the best position to advise you. If there is a fluid accumulation present, although it may spontaneously reabsorb, it is best to have it drained. Otherwise, you run the risk of this becoming a chronic problem,  potentially requiring surgical intervention.

	Contact your plastic surgeon, express your  concerns, and seek follow-up in the near future.  If, for some reason, this cannot be arranged you may need to seek consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon closer to you.

	 Best wishes.

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

If there is a fluid wave then the amount of fluid could take a long time to re-absorb and could affect the long-tem result. I use progressive tension sutures which prevent most seromas and allow for the drain to come out earlier.

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