Tummy Tuck Seroma
 Using a Syringe to Drain a Tummy Tuck Seroma |
What is a tummy tuck seroma?
A tummy tuck seroma is a pocket of fluid (like the pus of a blister) that forms in the body after tummy tuck surgery. During the surgery small blood vessels are ruptured causing seepage and pooling of blood plasma. Tummy tuck seromas are common after surgery.
How can I tell if I have a tummy tuck seroma?
Your doctor will make that determination but if you tap on your lower abdomen (try different areas) and you see or feel a fluid/wave like motion, then it's likely you have a seroma. You may also try to feel for the fluid of the seroma beneath the skin with your fingers.
What is the risk or danger of having a tummy tuck seroma?
Tummy tuck seromas are a source of potential infection. Signs of infection include fever, redness, or increased pain. Seromas, in themselves are harmless and should pose no problem as long as they don't get infected.
Will a compression garment prevent the formation of a tummy tuck seroma?
Formation of tummy tuck seromas is prevented (or reduced) through use of a tight fitting compression garment. The force from the compression garment helps collapse the cavity formed by the seroma and prevents further accumulation of fluid. Compression garments may have to be worn for several weeks or months.
How do you get rid of a tummy tuck seroma?
To get rid of tummy tuck seromas your doctor will usually drain or aspirate the seroma with a syringe in his office at a follow-up meeting. It may take repeated visits and aspirations to drain all the seroma fluid as continuing seepage may occur over time. When the seepage slows or stops your body should absorb the remaining fluid. In some cases the doctor may install a drain to remove the fluid from a tummy tuck seroma.
Why drain a tummy tuck seroma? Won't my body absorb the fluid?
Tummy tuck seromas are drained to reduce the risk of infection and to allow the body to heal properly. When a seroma exists an abnormal separation of body tissue occurs. Removal of the seroma will allow the body tissue to come together for proper healing.
Does it hurt to have a tummy tuck seroma drained?
Often the draining of a tummy tuck seroma with a needle (or syringe) does not hurt because the area of the seroma will still be numb from the recent surgery. Even if the area was no longer numb, the discomfort would be similar to that of a needle injection.
The following was the author's experience with a tummy tuck
seroma.
"The doctor noticed that it looked like I had some fluid retention
(drainage) in my midsection and decided to drain it. He
inserted a "big needle" just below my
belly
button and drained (sucked out) about ½ cup of red drainage fluid
from my belly area. He told me not to look, and I told him I did not want to but
I wanted to see the needle and how much it contained after he was done. I was
surprised to see so much drainage was still inside me. He said that it was not
uncommon and that by draining it the way he did saves my body the trouble of
absorbing it and aids in the healing process. Note: When he first brought out
the big needle (syringe) needless to say I was a little apprehensive, but
because my belly area was still numb I didn't feel a thing."
At yet another follow-up meeting.
"Doctor examined me to see if there was anymore drain fluid buildup in my
stomach area. He wasn't sure so he stuck another drain
needle into my belly, fished around for a pocket
of fluid, but came up "dry". I take that as good news in that I did not have
anymore waste or drainage fluid in my belly. Needle did not hurt at all."
How long will a tummy tuck seroma last?
Tummy tuck seromas may last from several weeks to several months. Some persistent seromas even longer. How long a tummy tuck seroma lasts will depend on your health, your doctor's treatments and you body's ability to heal.
How can I tell if my tummy tuck seroma is gone?
Your doctor will be able to determine if your tummy tuck seroma is gone or has reduced to such a level that your body will absorb the remaining fluid. If there is no more bulging or apparent fluid beneath the skin and the last time your doctor tried to aspirate it little or no fluid was removed, then likely the seroma is gone or reduced to a level of no concern.
Read.. Tummy Tuck Seroma Developed After 3 Weeks