Hi I have a hard bulge in my upper abdomen after a tummy tuck that will not go away. The picture is 12 weeks post op. My surgeon thought it was fat pushing through but after losing some weight the bulge was more prominent. I had an ultrasound and it shows a 5 cm x 5 cm hypoechoic mass in that area. How can this be addressed without a huge incision? Thanks
October 18, 2018
Answer: How do I remove a hypoechoic mass that appeared after a tummy tuck? (photo) Since there are many different possibilities with different outcomes, it is important that you follow this up with your PS. I suggest that you schedule an appointment with the PS that ordered the ultrasound. He or she will be able to discuss the different possibilities this mass could be in the context of you past medical history and current physical exam. Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
October 18, 2018
Answer: How do I remove a hypoechoic mass that appeared after a tummy tuck? (photo) Since there are many different possibilities with different outcomes, it is important that you follow this up with your PS. I suggest that you schedule an appointment with the PS that ordered the ultrasound. He or she will be able to discuss the different possibilities this mass could be in the context of you past medical history and current physical exam. Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
October 19, 2018
Answer: How to fix a chronic seroma after tummy tuck. Thanks for your question kappeler. I'm sorry this happened to you. I agree with the other plastic surgeons that this is likely a chronic seroma. The body makes fluid in response to surgery and continues to do so until healing takes place. In tummy tucks, there is a large area of undermined skin so there is a large surface where fluid can be generated. Most of us use quilting sutures at the time of surgery and drains and compression garments after surgery to help reduce the risk of developing a chronic seroma, but unfortunately that risk is still > 0%. In the early post op period, these can be treated with aspiration, compression, and occasionally drain replacement. Once a seroma has been present for 3 months, a "bursa" or scar sac forms around it and these techniques are less effective. I would recommend f/u with your plastic surgeon to discuss if they would remove the entire bursa through your existing lower abdominal incision. Best wishes, Dr. Max
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
October 19, 2018
Answer: How to fix a chronic seroma after tummy tuck. Thanks for your question kappeler. I'm sorry this happened to you. I agree with the other plastic surgeons that this is likely a chronic seroma. The body makes fluid in response to surgery and continues to do so until healing takes place. In tummy tucks, there is a large area of undermined skin so there is a large surface where fluid can be generated. Most of us use quilting sutures at the time of surgery and drains and compression garments after surgery to help reduce the risk of developing a chronic seroma, but unfortunately that risk is still > 0%. In the early post op period, these can be treated with aspiration, compression, and occasionally drain replacement. Once a seroma has been present for 3 months, a "bursa" or scar sac forms around it and these techniques are less effective. I would recommend f/u with your plastic surgeon to discuss if they would remove the entire bursa through your existing lower abdominal incision. Best wishes, Dr. Max
Helpful 1 person found this helpful