A seroma is a medical condition or side effect wherein fluid collects under the flap of the skin after a trauma, operation/surgery, or other reasons. This condition makes it difficult for healing to begin. Also, it invites infections and other complications. Thus, in operations like a tummy tuck, it is always a good thing to check if the patient has developed a seroma.
Seroma after Tummy Tuck
- A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is a procedure wherein the structure of the abdomen is altered to make it firmer. It can be done together with a liposuction to remove excess fats then to have a firmer stomach. Skin will also be removed and the belly button may have to reconstructed in the process.
- A seroma is not expected but is a serious side effect that could occur after a tummy tuck.
- The presence of a seroma is considered serious because there is no way that there could be direct drainage of this liquid out of the body. Thus, further treatments and even corrective surgery can be done.
What is a Seroma after Tummy Tuck
- Complications in the tummy tuck can cause blood vessels to rupture, causing blood plasma to seep out and collect to form a seroma.
- This is further complicated by dying cells that collect in the area. This could progress with or without infection.
- This collection of fluid and dying cells make the area more prone to infections – if this does not have infections already.
Seroma after Tummy Tuck Symptoms Identifying
- A seroma will often cause an area of the abdomen to become hard or distended. There would a lump that could be painful to touch, though it is possible that it can progress without pain at all.
- Sometimes, fluid might be oozing out of the wound.
Seroma after Tummy Tuck Cause
- The main cause of seroma is the pooling of fluids from blood plasma and dead cells.
- This pooling of various liquids and solids can lead to infections that could further irritate the area.
Seroma after Tummy Tuck Treatment
- The best thing to do to treat a seroma is to drain the fluid from the pocket. In many cases, another surgical operation may be necessary to correct this problem.
- Antibiotics and other medications will usually be given to prevent further infections or to cure existing ones.