How Soon Should I See my Doctor After Finding a Seroma?

17 days post op, drain removed 8 days after surgery after well appropriate minimal amount of drainage. 9days later I have noticed what has been described as "wavelike symptoms". I believe I have a "Seroma". It is located below my breast and above my navel to the left.

I see my PS in 19 days. Is it appropriate to wait till that visit for possible change in "seroma", or should I get in to see him sooner? When is too late? Just found today so I'm frustrated because I have done everything my PS say.

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9 Doctor Answers | Asked by Maumelle4008

Doctor Answers (9)
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You do have a seroma, and you should have it aspirated ASAP!

Aspiration with a needle is necessary to allow the tissue layers to once again "touch" and heal this cavity shut. If a seroma is allowed to persist, a pseudobursa forms, and the longer it remains undrained, the less likely the "slick" surfaces of the pseudobursa will adhere and heal. So waiting is bad. If repeated aspiration is not successful in "encouraging" your body to close off this cavity, then a drain may need to be reinserted (local anesthesia--not a big... more

Fluid collections after surgery

When you notice things like this they should be addressed right away. If you wait too long the seroma may become stable with a thickened shell which is very hard to treat without going to surgery. I would contact your doctor and move your appointment up

Seromas should be treated immediately

Your description is typical for the formation of a seroma. You should contact your plastic surgeon immediately and arrange for an examination and aspiration if it is indeed a seroma. The longer it is present untreated, the more difficult or longer it takes to successfully treat. Furthermore, these can become chronic problems that require surgery to remove not just the fluid but also a sac that has formed.

How Soon Should I See my Doctor After Finding a Seroma?

Sounds like you are correct in your diagnosis - seroma. I recommend immediate drainage or aspiration. Waiting 19 days is inappropriate. Please seek medical care.

Contact your plastic surgeon for seroma after a tummy tuck

Dear Maumelle4008, I am sorry to hear about your condition. It certainly sounds like you may have developed a seroma. I would contact your plastic surgeon to discuss your condition. Aspiration may be necessary. 19 days is certainly too long to wait. Best of luck, Larry Fan, MD

Treatment of seroma after abdominoplasty

Treatment of a seroma should generally be performed as soon as is practical, and repeated as necessary to allow for resolution. The presence of a seroma after abdominoplasty prevents adherence of the subcutaneous fat to the fascia and, if prolonged, can result in the formation of a scar capsule (pseudo-bursa) around the cavity and persistence of the seroma. Once established, the capsule may require surgery to correct. Contact your plastic surgeon to discuss... more

How soon should I see my plastic surgeon if I suspect a seroma?

You should see your plastic surgeon as soon as you can. If a seroma is not aspirated it can form a layer called bursa. Once that layer is formed, the skin will not heal to the deep layers and the seroma can persist. Once you find a seroma, it should be aspirated frequently till it disappears. In case it comes back a seroma catheter can be inserted and left in. See you plastic surgeon so he can take care of all these things and good luck.

Tummy talk recovery

You should be seen by your plastic surgeon as soon as possible for evacuation of the seroma. You should also be aware that multiple aspirations are often necessary before this seroma resolves- sometimes a drain may need to be replaced. Best wishes.

Tummy tuck seroma

Please contact your doctor right away to imform them about your condition. Likely, they will move you appointment up and address your condition right away. Waiting 19 days for your next appointment would be inappropriate.