How to Get Rid of Seroma After Tummy Tuck

The most famous procedure to remove excess fat is tummy tuck which gives amazing results. With the procedure comes a few complications too and one of them is called Seroma. It is a condition in which fluid is collected under the skin after the tummy tuck process. It causes the area to swell which triggers discomfort. In this article, we will explore some facts about seroma and ways to get rid of it faster.

What is Seroma?

A buildup of fluid at the place where the tissue is removed during the tummy tuck procedure is called a seroma. It is not harmful and disappears naturally. However, when it is large in size, medical intervention is required. They are swollen and contain fluid which causes discomfort to the patient. It is one of the complications that can occur during a tummy tuck procedure.

Cause of Seroma

The collection of fluids in the treated area can cause due to reasons such as:

• Mishandling of the tissue during the procedure.
• Poor drainage from the surgical site
• Too much pressure placed on the treated area

Signs of Seroma 

There are a few signals to know whether you have a seroma developing inside the body or not, such as:

• Swelling in the area
• Skin discoloration 
• Hardened area in the surgical area
• Incorrect fluid drainage from the incision 

Get Rid of Seroma After Tummy Tuck

When you discover the formation of a seroma in the skin, do not panic as there are ways to remove it completely, such as: 

1. Surgical Methods: Mild seroma does not require medical intervention but larger size needs to be attended by a surgeon to remove it completely. The methods such as:

• Needle Aspirations: It is a minimal invasion technique that uses a needle to take the fluid out of the infected area. It gives immediate relief but multiple aspirations might be required in case of recurrence of seroma. 
• Sclerotherapy: In this technique, a sclerosing agent is injected into the seroma cavity which forms the scar. The scar helps to seal off the cavity and prevent fluid from accumulating. It is mostly combined with needle aspiration. 
• Seroma Catheter Placement: For more effective drainage of seroma, the catheter is used. This is inserted into the seroma to take the fluid out completely. It also reduces the risk of recurrence of seroma.
• Surgical Excision: It is a complete surgical procedure in which seroma is removed with the help of surgical excision. 

However, it is important to remember that the choice of treatment depends on the condition of the seroma. A doctor can examine and suggest the best treatment for you. 

2. Home Remedies: Apart from medical intervention, you can try some home remedies to speed up the healing, such as:

• Say no to strenuous activities.
• Apply warm compresses.
• Keep surgical incisions clean and dry.
• Wear compression garments as recommended by the surgeon.

Conclusion

Seroma might not be harmful but causes discomfort to the patient if developed after a tummy tuck procedure. To get rid of it, you can go for a medical procedure depending upon the size of the seroma formed. Some home remedies like applying a warm compress and wearing compression garments might also help. It can be caused due to poor drainage from the incision. If you find a hard area on the skin with some swelling then consult your doctor immediately.