Two months ago I noticed that I had fluid above my tummy tuck incision line. I have had 4 aspirations and it feels like my tummy where the seroma is located is getting more firm and the area is tight. I have no pain. The next procedure is putting a medication inside the area where the seroma is and a drain tube. Is it recommended that I have surgery either way? And with the surgery need to be completed by a regular surgeon or a plastic surgeon? I cannot return to my plastic surgeon. Too far
September 3, 2022
Answer: Persistent seroma I’ve seen this occur several times and there’s a simple way to deal with it. Not all surgeons do this even though it’s been around for only a few hundred years. Your incision needs to be opened about a half inch in the midline. Then a penrose drain needs to be slid into the cavity to provide external drainage. It will drain to the outside and be a little messy. Leave it in for a week. I’ve done this many times and it never fails. It’s based on an old principle called dependent drainage. Dependent drainage is a very old basic surgical principle. Google the term. Remember PENROSE drain, not any other kind will work.
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September 3, 2022
Answer: Persistent seroma I’ve seen this occur several times and there’s a simple way to deal with it. Not all surgeons do this even though it’s been around for only a few hundred years. Your incision needs to be opened about a half inch in the midline. Then a penrose drain needs to be slid into the cavity to provide external drainage. It will drain to the outside and be a little messy. Leave it in for a week. I’ve done this many times and it never fails. It’s based on an old principle called dependent drainage. Dependent drainage is a very old basic surgical principle. Google the term. Remember PENROSE drain, not any other kind will work.
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September 4, 2022
Answer: Seroma Dear Lily2013, I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a 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
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September 4, 2022
Answer: Seroma Dear Lily2013, I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a 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
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