How to know if I have a seroma?

Question

I had abdominal tumescent liposuction two weeks ago, outside of the U.S. Now, I have lots of bumps and hard areas in my abs, and I don't know if it is normal or not.

Marwan R. Khalifeh, MD · Answer

As a patient you may be able to distinguish
seroma  from swelling by feeling for a fluid wave. If you place your hand
on one side of the area of concern and you feel a “wave” sensation with your
other hand (on the other side of the area of concern)  you likely have a
 seroma.  Your surgeon will be able to make the diagnosis; often,
several aspirations may be necessary to resolve the problem.

Wendell Perry, MD · Answer

Seromas are usually soft and shifting. If you turn from side to side they will change.  Two weeks after surgery you're supposed to be very swollen. Swelling can cause lumps and bumps. If it was flat immediately after surgery and it's not flat now it's probably swelling. Putting pressure on these lumps and massaging the lumps is what she can do now to try to flatten them. You must be aggressive with the massaging and the lumps should feel softer after you massage them. The other thing that can be a problem is your garment. If you sit down in the garment folds those folds could make lumps on your abdomen. Make sure you have a smooth garment that doesn't scrunch up when you sit down. I try to find garments that are smooth without zippers are clips for my patients. You may also try to use foam inside of your garments to try to flatten these areas.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Firm areas after liposuction usually are not seromas.  This is often firm fatty tissue. Seromas usually have a fluid shift when pushed on or appear as a fluid filled bulge under the skin.

How to know if I have a seroma?

Answers (3)

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