Glycon1 on Realself 3 years ago
06/10/2020, 05:49 AM
Sorry for the longer than expected break between updates. Weeks 2-3 were more challenging than expected, but I'm really starting to see some results that I'm happy with.
On about day 11-12, I started to notice some pronounced swelling on my left flank area that seemed to be filled with fluid, along with a smaller pocket around my belly button. A bit of research suggested that I'd likely developed a seroma, and most of the advice seemed to suggest that it should be handled sooner rather than later. I called Dr. Shah's office on Saturday and was able to be connected directly to his cell phone. He had me email over a few photos, and after reviewing them, emailed me back to set an appointment to check things out on Sunday (Father's Day). I was very impressed at his willingness to handle my issue on a holiday weekend, when he easily could have put me off until Monday.
When I arrived, my suspicions were confirmed. I had about 130cc of fluid in my left flank, and about 35cc in my belly button area (the bruise in my photos is from draining it). Draining was relatively painless - a quick stick for a little local anesthetic, then a larger needle that was used to puncture the seroma and drain it with a large syringe. Relief was pretty immediate. I ended up having to have the two areas drained a total of 3 times over a 1 week period, but the amount of fluid accumulation was far less the second and third time. My theory is that I was probably a little over active early after surgery (I'm left handed, and it was on my left side), and as soon as my swelling started to subside, my first compression garment really wasn't providing much compression for me. Dr. Shah said that he only sees this complication maybe 2-3 times per year, so I guess just hit the jackpot.
Ok, with the negative issues out of the way, the good news - I'm starting to look pretty damn good! I have a lot less saggy skin than I anticipated, love handles are evaporating as swelling goes down, and my stomach is pretty flat. I still have a few sore spots and some bruising, but I'm very excited to see what I'll look like in a few more weeks, when I should have a better idea of the final results. I'm hoping that things smooth out a bit (I've got a few lumpy spots), but otherwise I'm very happy with the results.