Preventing Seromas After Abdominoplasty: A Comprehensive Guide

A seroma is the post-operative collection of fluid under the skin flap, and most cosmetic surgery has this complication. Following a tummy tuck---formally known as abdominoplasty---the formation of a seroma is always a possibility. A seroma not only delays wound healing, but can lead to infections and tissue necrosis if left untreated. In tandem with your cosmetic surgeon, there are a few things you can do to minimize the possibility of a seroma.

Things You'll Need

• Hemostatic medicine
• Abdominal binder
• Surgical adhesive

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Instructions

• 1

  Take a hemostatic agent such as tranexamic acid(marketed as Cyklokapron in the United States). Regulate the dose as prescribed by your doctor to prevent adverse effects.

• 2

  Measure the liquid collected in the drainage bag installed at the end of the surgery.

• 3

  Spray surgical adhesive or tissue glue in the flap to eliminate the space in the scar where seromas can form.

• 4

  Wear an abdominal binder that compresses the tissues that are severed, decreasing tissue "dead space" and providing abdominal support.

• 5

  Keep your abdomen as immobile as possible for the first three to six days following surgery; this allows the gastric contents to stabilize and return to their normal anatomical position.