Told Not to Wear Compression Garment and Be Active After Abdominoplasty/lipo. Now Have Seroma. What is the Treatment Guideline?

Question

My PS told me not to wear compression garment after my TT/lipo/mons. His PA told me the same and that I should be active right after my TT. He said be on your feet more than off and walking was good to do. Surgeon also cleared me to drive my car 700 mi when I was 8 days post op. Now I have a seroma and the skin from my naval to my pubic region and out to my hip bones is not sticking to the fascia. What do Tx guidelines specify after TT? He casually told me to see PS locally or he would see me.

Edwin C. Pound, III, MD · Answer

Every doctor has his/her own protocol for patients following surgical procedures based on their training and experience.  While wearing a compression garment may help decrease the risk of developing a seroma, it will not necessarily prevent it.  Small seromas will sometimes resolve on their own without the need for treatment.  Larger ones can be sucked out using a syringe and needle in the office.  If the seroma recurs several times after using the syringe and needle then it may become necessary to replace a drain into the area.

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Thanks for your post. Traveling 700 miles sure is a long way. You have to decide about returning to see your surgeon or a local plastic surgeon. Seroma is the most common adverse effect of tummy tuck in some studies. They need treatment and the sooner the better. Best wishes, Dr. Aldo.

M. Scott Haydon, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. I do recommend compression and limiting activity after the TT. This doesn't guarantee that there won't be fluid accumulating, but in my opinion it helps. My patients often comment that they feel more comfortable with it on at the beginning because of their swelling. Fortunately though, this can be managed without having to return to the OR (usually).

Elisa A. Burgess, MD · Answer

Many surgeons differ in their tummy tuck treatment guidelines after surgery.  I do recommend that patients limit their exercise and wear a garment for about a month after surgery.  I think this can decrease your risk of seroma.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Some surgeons use garment and some do not.  Normal daily activity should not significantly contribute to seromas. They can some times jsut happen.

Told Not to Wear Compression Garment and Be Active After Abdominoplasty/lipo. Now Have Seroma. What is the Treatment Guideline?

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Told Not to Wear Compression Garment and Be Active After Abdominoplasty/lipo. Now Have Seroma. What is the Treatment Guideline?

Answers (8)

Answer: Tummy tuck troubles

Answer: Tummy tuck troubles

Answer: Compression and tummy tuck

Answer: Compression and tummy tuck

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.