I had Tummy Tuck on 2/21 in Dominican Republic, drains removed at 4 days PO. What can I do for a seroma that developed? (photo)

Question

I had a tummy tuck on 2/21 and I've developed a seroma after removing my drain too soon. I have gone to the emergency room on several occasions to get this thing drained and they will not do it. I keep being told to wait 3-4 months to see if it reabsorbs itself. I believe I have an infection cause my stomach is warm, itchy, and red. The hospital says its not infected though. What can I do to get rid of this thing cause I'm miserable with it.

Jeffrey LaGrasso, MD · Answer

If you have a seroma after a tummy tuck after drain removal it needs to be drained immediately.  Typically drainage is done in your plastic surgeons office with a needle under a local anesthetic without difficulty.  If the seroma is left it could form a seroma cavity which would be a permanent deformity.  Most of the time seromas need to be drained more then once and I see my patients back on a daily or every other day basis to drain until the seroma is gone.  Unfortunately, if you had the procedure done in another country it is going to be extremely difficult for you to obtain follow up as most plastic surgeons will not treat you and hospitals will not deal with you because it was an aesthetic procedure.  You may pay a cheaper price to have surgery in another country but if there is an issue you will pay more for it in the end.  Good Luck.

Carmina Cardenas, MD · Answer

The tension that seroma is creating May cause skin necrosis. So you have to get it drained immediately, and my opinion is to get a new drain tube inserted which may stay for the days needed and avoid being punctured daily. The drain has to put in place under the most strict measures of sterility to prevent infections.be encouraged. You will be all right once you get the correct treatment. Dr. Cardenas

Raymond A. Capone, Jr., MD · Answer

What makes you think this is just a seroma?The skin colors suggest a more ominous complication.  How do you know this is not a seriously infected seroma.  You need help emergently and those doctors in that foreign country aren't near enough.  I would suggest you go to to nother emergency room and ask for plastic surgery help immediately

Robert Brueck, MD · Answer

I would go to see a plastic surgeon.I recently had a woman who went to the DR for impalnt exchange and she came back with an infection.I would surely go to a plastic surgeon to have this corrected.He will probaly aspirate for cultures and see what is going on.A drain may have to be re inserted to correct this.There have been several reports of patients going to the Dr for cosmetic surgery and getting infections.

Eleanor J. Barone, MD · Answer

Ideally ,a plastic surgeon to get this treated as soon as possible. This is the problem of not being close to the doctor who did the surgeon, you don't have follow up from the person who did the surgery.  Please act quickly and good luck!

I had Tummy Tuck on 2/21 in Dominican Republic, drains removed at 4 days PO. What can I do for a seroma that developed? (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Seroma post tummy

Answer: Seroma post tummy

Answer: You need to see a surgeon

Answer: You need to see a surgeon

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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I had Tummy Tuck on 2/21 in Dominican Republic, drains removed at 4 days PO. What can I do for a seroma that developed? (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Seroma post tummy

Answer: Seroma post tummy

Answer: You need to see a surgeon

Answer: You need to see a surgeon

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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.