Fluid buildup after transflap reconstruction

Bunny1966

My breast reconstruction was five months ago. Two weeks ago I started to experience pain and the inability to sit up using my abdominal muscles only without pain. My skin feels tight and my stomach is swollen. Cat scan today showed a large L shaped fluid build up may be seroma or hematoma. Has anyone experienced this and how is it rectified? My Dr. Has not contacted me yet but I thought any suggestions others have had would be beneficial before I meet with him

ravzari

Many times, for seromas and hematomas, they can just aspirate it with a needle if they think it's large enough to warrant it.

If they don't, they might recommend a compression garment and take a 'wait and see if it reabsorbs on its own' route, though if you're having pain and are visibly swollen it's probably large enough to at least require aspiration.

In severe cases, it MIGHT require a drain be put in or surgery to remove the hematoma, but most commonly they aspirate it and have you wear some kind of compression garment for a few weeks to help prevent re-buildup.

Bunny1966

thanks for your comments. I have been wearing a compression garment 24/7 since the surgery in July. I have mentioned swelling since the drains were removed. I had four, two upper under breast and two lower below insision line. My Dr. Continued to say it should absorb it now circles around and under my arm pit also