Persistent Encapsulated Seroma: A Common Early Complication Presenting Late in a Case of Abdominoplasty

Abstract

Abdominoplasty is a well-known procedure for body contouring in aesthetic plastic surgery. The rise of bariatric surgeries as well as the increase in awareness of cosmetic procedures and availability of resources have all led to a significant increase in the rate of abdominoplasties performed. Seroma formation is the most common complication occurring in these types of procedures. It accounts for at least 5% of the early complications. Seromas usually resolve spontaneously, with repeated aspirations, or by ultrasound-guided drain insertion or aspiration. In a few cases, however, they can become chronic, with the formation of a pseudocapsule. In our case, a 52-year-old patient, who underwent abdominoplasty and remained asymptomatic for over two years, presented with abdominal swelling and fullness. In-spite of the repeated non-surgical management, in the form of multiple bedside needle aspirations and ultrasound-guided drain insertions, the seroma did not resolve. Surgical intervention for this patient became mandatory, and the decision to excise the pseudocapsule was done to prevent any recurrence.