Question:
I have a large mass below my bellybutton, no one will help me!!!!!

i had a tummy tuck Aug.23rd of this year. I have a large mass on my midline area near my pelvis under my bellybutton. It is causing alot of pressure and urination urgency. It has gone from 5cm to 11cm in 2 weeks. My plastic surgeon says to just watch it and it will probably go away. I am so uncomfortable and have burning pain on the incision line from the pressure. My plastic surgeon does not seem to care, my PCP dosent know what it is. I am suffering and out of options. Anyone else have this happen?? Thanks in advance for your input    — roxxyblue72 (posted on November 30, 2004)

November 29, 2004
Dear Roxanne, It sounds like you a developing what is called a seroma, or fluid collection. The most common cause is usually a hematoma or blood clot that liquifies. Your body will attempt to resorb the mass but sometimes more fluid is made than can be absorbed, leading to a growing collection. The easiest solution is just to drain the area with a needle, especially if the area is getting larger. An ultrasound would be diagnostic for a seroma. There is always a risk for infection if this area is left alone. I hope this information is useful. Joshua Kreithen, M.D. Lakewood Ranch Plastic Surgery, Bradenton, FL www.lakewoodranchplasticsurgery.com [email protected]
   — Joshua Kreithen, M.D.

November 30, 2004
I had my tt w/ triple hernia repairs, and muscle tightening, on 8/27/04 and my last tube came out at 4 weeks post op, it was still draining around 40cc per day. My ps felt I would probably be ok, but I developed a seroma, and she first numbed the area and then asperaited and asperaited close to 50cc, I looked 5 months pregnant and it was painful with the fluid, but the asperation didnt hurt at all, and since I was told I could go without my binder I had tissue swelling as well. After the asperation she sent me for an ultrasound to check for more seromas, and I had a very small one but it was only about 5cc's and my body would probably absorb it, that was about 3 weeks ago and I can still tell its there but its not gotten any bigger, and if I go more than a day without my binder my belly swells (tissue) so I still wear my binder during the day. If I were you I would tell the nurse how uncomfortable and you want the dr to asperate, or if he wont do it ask for the ultrasound and have the radiologist to asperate if your doc wont, but your doc has to have this on the Rx. Good luck dont suffer, it will only get worse. And if you go to the ER they will tell you to see your plastic surgeon. One of the girls on the ps board had this happen to her. Rosemary
   — wizz40

November 30, 2004
I developed seromas 3 different times after my tt. My PS didn't let them get as big as yours. He drained them with a needle (tell them to numb you first!!) and I made sure to wear a girdle type panty 24/7 for about 8 weeks. The tightness helps in the seromas from developing and sometimes small ones can be reabsorbed by the body (that happened with my 4th one).
   — Patty H.

December 1, 2004
I developed a large seroma below my navel at about 2 weeks post op from a circumfrential lower body lift. My plastic surgeon would not aspirate it for fear of allowing infection to enter the body. I didnt have any fever or redness but it was sore and I could squish the fliud from one side of my abdomen to the other. She had me wear my surgical girdle as tight as I could stand it and said it would go away eventually which it did. It took a few weeks for it to disappear. One of the things the Dr. did consider was that I may be developing a hernia post operatively.....thank goodness it wasnt that. I would seriously consider seeking a second opinion until you are satisfied with the answer. We are our own best judge of when something is wrong....go with your gut feeling on this. Good Luck. Wendi
   — lovemonterey

December 3, 2004
Roxanne, My suggestion is since it is so large, you need to find an internist that will help you. Keep going to different docs until you find someone that will help you. Good luck and keep us updated
   — debi327