16 days post tummy tuck, could this be a hematoma/internal bruising? (Photos)

There is still a significant amount of swelling and bruising.  It is always best to follow your plastic surgeon's post operative protocol, express any concerns you may have and wear your post operative garment as directed. Best of Luck!

Hello and thank you for your question.Without seeing you in person, it is hard to advise. I suggest reaching out to your surgeon and having this area examined.  Best of luck!

Hello Ashley,Great question. I'm sorry for your post op difficulties. I will suggest to keep following your surgeon's post op instructions. Good luck with your recovery.

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph.  It appears that you have developed a hematoma which can be treated with either aspiration in your surgeons office, typically after 2 weeks, or can be allowed to resolve on its own, if small.  Follow up with your surgeon closely to ensure no further healing issues develop, and resolution of your hematoma occurs.  Hope this helps.

it sure looks like a hematoma.  sometimes they will resolve and sometimes they will drain through the incision.  unless the patient is in a lot of pain, i tend to just wait and see.  he could also try to drain it with needle aspiration.

Dear ashleyb13,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. Based on your photos, it looks like you have a lot of bruising and probably a hematoma. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment. Only after 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

It might well be a small hematoma.  I don’t think anything needs to be done right away.  It will either go away on its own or become more obvious that it is something that needs to be drained.  Make sure you see your surgeon at least weekly.  Just keeping an eye on it  would be my suggestion.  If it is a hematoma it will liquify and then can be easily drained.

Thanks so much for submitting your question and pictures. From the photos, it does appear you have a hematoma which can be a risk after a large surgery such as an abdominoplasty. Hematomas do typically feel large and firm at first and will begin to breakdown and dissolve over the course of a few weeks. At that point, they can be removed by syringe aspiration. The surgeon may also decide to remove the hematoma surgically. Following up with the operating surgeon would be best in this case. If you are unhappy with the result after the hematoma is dealt with, it may be best to seek a second opinion from another Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. I hope this information helps. Good luck with your recovery!

Your surgeon is correct. It will likely settle over a period of months. Don't panic - just are prepared for a longer than usual ride. Everything else looks great.

Hello! Thank you for your question. (Keep in mind that an in-person consultation is necessary for the best advice.) It's difficult to know how this swelling will progress/change. The best thing for you to do is to follow all of your plastic surgeon's instructions and to follow up closely with your plastic surgeon. Best of luck!
Matthew A. DelMauro, M.D.