Is a seroma 6 months post op tummy tuck possible? If so, what are the symptoms?

It is possible to develop a seroma six months after your tummy tuck surgery.  The description of what happens when you shift from a laying to standing position is suggestive of fluid that could be a seroma.  Please see your surgeon who can best help you.  Generally, we would try to drain the fluid collection with a needle and syringe and restart the use of a compression garment.

Thank you for the question.  What you're describing is not the typical presentation of a seroma.  More likely is asymmetric muscle tightening or focal areas of abdominal wall weakness.  An examination by your primary surgeon is certainly warranted and would help determine the underlying issue.  Hope this helps!

A late seroma is uncommon but possible. Signs include a new soft swelling, fluid “wave,” or an area that feels like it shifts under the skin. I confirm the diagnosis with an in-office exam and ultrasound if needed, then treat with aspiration and compression. Preventing seromas begins with meticulous surgical technique and good follow-up—key elements of our body contouring care.

It seems to us that a seroma forming as late as six months after tummy tuck a bit unlikely. See your surgeon to see if he can sort out the issue with the bulge you have developed.

Thanks for your question. Seromas are actually not that uncommon after TT, but typically they are very small and not noticeable. What you are describing could be a seroma, but I would recommend visiting your surgeon. A simple ultrasound will make the diagnosis. Perhaps any fluid could then be removed w/ small needle? Best wishes.

Typically it is not common to have a seroma 6 months after surgery. Seromas can develop as far out as 4-6 weeks. That is not to say that it is not possible, but highly unlikely. If the muscles of your abdominal wall were plicated or brought together at the time of your tummy tuck, it is possible that a certain segment of this repair has come undone, which can also happen. If that is the case, it can present as a bulge that goes away when lying down and becomes prominent as you get up or use your abdominal muscles. To differentiate between a seroma and recurrent diastasis, it is best to be seen in person and evaluated. Typically, this can be diagnosed by performing a physical exam. It is best to be evaluated by your plastic surgeon. Good Luck.Regards,Dr. Ravi Somayazula

Dear foreveryoung908,

Thank you for your clinical post. It would be extremely unlikely and unusual to
have a seroma suddenly appear 6 months following a tummy tuck. If a patient has a large degree of weight
loss and has a large abdominal pannus that undergoes a tummy tuck procedure it
is more common to have a small loculated seroma that becomes contained within
the seroma bursa and this can suddenly enlarge at 6 months. Trauma, excessive shear forces will be the
most common cause of this delayed presentation of a seroma. If there is a fluid collection you need to
rule out the cause of this fluid collection.
Rare things such as a fistula, liquefy hematoma, persistent seroma bursa
or even abscess needs to be ruled out. A
simple abdominal ultrasound can help and if there is fluid, insertion of a
drain and analysis of that fluid for anything pathological.

It is extremely important you follow-up with your operative
surgeon as they are in the best position to understand the surgical maneuvers that
were performed and the most likely cause of your current symptoms.

I would not delay, but contact the office quickly and arrive
at an appropriate diagnosis with your operating plastic surgeon.

I hope this information has been of some assistance and best
of luck.

R. Stephen Mulholland, M.D.

Certified Plastic Surgeon

Yorkville, Toronto