Recurring Seroma Formation After Tummy Tuck?

There is a delicate network of thin filamental lymphatic fibers on top of the rectus abdominis sheath. These lymphatic fibers drain into the lymph nodes down in the groin. The umbilical line divides the drainage of these fibers. Above the umbilicus, they drain upward to the axillary lymph nodes. Below the umbilicus, they drain down into the inguinal nodes. It is my experience that traditional liposuction rarely goes down to these fibers, and therefore almost never causes a seroma. Scars left by traditional liposuction are intermittently placed, and therefore do not increase the chance of a seroma in a post liposuction abdominoplasty. Unfortunately, the newer forms of liposuction, Vaser, Laser, Slim, Smooth, etc. create a much larger field-like destruction of these filmy lymphatics, and therefore abdominoplasties after these types of liposuctions very often are fraught with recurrent seromas. Other forms of abdominal wall interventions such as C-sections and hysterectomies done from a bikini line incision (pfannenstiel incision) tend to increase the likelihood of a seroma. Surgeons performing these operations and assistants pulling on retractors are often more concerned with the intra-abdominal surgery than with protecting the lymphatics on the rectus sheath. Therefore, abdominoplasties after gynecologic bikini line incisions have a much greater chance of recurrent seromas due to the destruction of these necessary and delicate lymphatics. Recurrent seromas in a situation where the channels to take up excess fluid have been destroyed are very difficult to resolve. I find recurrent drainage in this situation to be of minimal value. The seromacath left in for 3 or 4 days with intermitten installation of a sclerosing agent has a much better chance of obliterating these pockets of fluid since few, if any, lymph drainage channels remain.

Thank you for your question regarding the recurring seroma formation and the discomfort you're experiencing. It sounds like you’ve been through multiple surgeries and are now dealing with a persistent issue that’s significantly impacting your quality of life.

Seromas, especially after multiple procedures like tummy tucks and liposuction, can be challenging to manage. Given that you’re feeling tightness and swelling, it’s possible that fluid is accumulating again, even if your doctor initially believes it’s just scar tissue. The ultrasound your doctor ordered should help confirm whether a seroma has formed again or if it’s primarily scar tissue causing these sensations.

In the U.S., the treatment approach would generally include the following steps:

Aspiration or Drainage: If an ultrasound confirms the presence of a seroma, fluid can be aspirated using a needle, similar to your previous treatments. This may need to be repeated multiple times if the seroma reaccumulates.

Sclerotherapy: In cases where seromas keep recurring, a surgeon may inject a sclerosing agent into the seroma cavity. This helps close off the space and reduces the likelihood of fluid reaccumulating by encouraging the tissue to seal itself.

Surgical Revision: If the seromas are persistent and sclerotherapy or drainage does not resolve the issue, a more invasive approach, such as surgical revision, may be necessary. This can involve placing additional drainage tubes or excising the seroma cavity.

Compression Garments: Wearing a well-fitted compression garment can help minimize fluid buildup. It may also help with the tightness you’re feeling, as it can provide support to the area during the healing process.

Given your long history of scar tissue, the pulling and tightness you're feeling could be a combination of scar tissue formation and residual fluid. It’s essential to continue working closely with your surgeon and monitor the situation through ultrasound. If a seroma is confirmed, it’s important to address it quickly before it becomes more encapsulated, which can make treatment more difficult.

I hope this helps to provide some guidance on how to manage your recurring seroma and the tightness you’re experiencing.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

If the ultrasound confirms a seroma, it will likely require drainage 9 weeks out. If it is small enough you may wait it out to see if it resolves. Drainage is usually successful with closed aspiration. Sometimes a sclerosing agent such as sodium tetradecyl can be infused in the pocket. These have a tendency to recur and it may require a couple of treatments. For a seroma that is large, tender, or has stretched the skin it would likely require open exploration and excision of the "wall" of the seroma. I have had to do this on a couple of occasions and am always surprised of the thickness of this wall and what a difference it makes in the contour after it is removed.