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Can a Seroma/hematoma Be Absorbed by the Body on Its Own...how Long Will It Take?

asked 11 months ago by naahdeeah in san diego, CA
Latest answer by Robert N. Young, MD
Question viewed 2,126 times
Tags: 1 month post-op, absorption, seroma

After my 1 month post op (Breast augmentation) appointment some trauma to my breast after massage from PS. Now i have severe swelling...PS says he does not want to drain it and to wait for body to absorb..what are my changes ?

13 answers to Can a Seroma/hematoma Be Absorbed by the Body on Its Own...how Long Will It Take?

Seroma or hematoma treatment after breast augmentation

In your photo the right breast is about twice the size of the left. That is a significant collection of blood (hematoma) or fluid (seroma), possibly as much as a few hundred cc's. Not only is it distorting the breast but it is also nidus for infection. If there are any bacteria floating around in your body they could land in this area and multiply since the collection is like food the them. If your surgeon does not want to do it see if he/she will refer you to a radiologist. Under... more

Aaron Stone, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Seroma/hematoma after breast augmentation

You clearly have an abnormal fluid collection around the right breast implant. I think 99% of plastic surgeons would suggest draining it.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Seroma

It looks to me per your photo that you have a seroma-i would return to your PS to get his recommendations to treat it-most likely draining it. Please make sure you keep up with all your follow-up treatments with your PS

Edward J. Bednar, MD
Charlotte Plastic Surgeon

Seroma of breast should be drained

Most probably what you have is a seroma, an accumulation of fluid in the pocket around the implant, and it is quite substantial. This will not likely resolve on its own and may become a chronic and problematic issue aside from the aesthetic component. Drainage is easy and straightforward and should be performed now - there is no reason to wait. For further confirmation, you can seek a second opinion from a board certified plastic surgeon in your area provided that your surgeon does not... more

Steven Turkeltaub, MD
Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon

www.turkeltaub.com

Can a Seroma/hematoma Be Absorbed by the Body on Its Own...how Long Will It Take?

Based on the kindly posted frontal breast photo I recommend immediate drainage. Seek opinions from boarded PSS in San Diego. E/ail me if you would like referrals. BTW who did the operation?

Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

Hematoma or seroma after a breast augmentation

Hematomas eventually get absorbed, while seromas may not. Seromas can get absorbed but when they do the time it takes is much longer than a hematoma. However, looking at your picture I think you should not go on looking like this. It should be drained. A second opinion from a board certified Plastic Surgeon is in order. Sincerely, Martin Jugenburg, MD

Martin Jugenburg, MD
Toronto Plastic Surgeon

www.torontosurgery.ca

Seroma/Hematoma Draining

I agree with the other doctors in that this needs to be drained. If you waited it could take a very long time for it to go away on its own, if it even does completely go away. I would address these concerns with your plastic surgeon again.

Robert N. Young, MD
San Antonio Plastic Surgeon

www.dryoungforever.com

Small seromas will absorb, but larger ones are a focus for infection

Small hematomas and seromas can absorb, but yours is large. That means that you have a pocket of fluid that can be the site of an infection, which may mean that the implant will have to be temporarily removed. Don't take that chance. Get another opinion from an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon.

Mark B. Constantian, MD
Nashua Plastic Surgeon

Hematoma/seroma after surgery

I would recommend drainage of the affected side. This will hopefully restore form and symmetry. Donald R. Nunn MD Atlanta Plastic Surgeon.

Donald Nunn, MD, DDS
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

This should be drained

As the other doctors have mentioned, this is either a hematoma or an seroma. Either way it should be drained. If it is really a collection of blood, there is a risk that it could become infected, causing more problems. If it is a seroma, it may or may not resolve on its own, and could lead to stretching of the space surrounding the implant in the meantime, which would cause long term asymmetry in the appearance of your breasts. Besides all that, it is a simple... more

Daniel Sherick, MD
Ann Arbor Plastic Surgeon

Seroma and/or heamtoma in breast augmentation

Seromas and hematomas can resorb after any surgical procedure. However after breast augmentation if a seroma or hematoma persists, they can lead to capsular contracture or tightness around the impant. You need to be followed closely by your physician - as long as the fluid accumulation appears to be getting better, you cna watch expectantly. However, an operation to drain the fluid may be necessary.

Brian R. Buinewicz, MD
Doylestown Plastic Surgeon

Absorption of seroma/haematoma

While small volume of fluid collection (i.e. a seroma) or blood collection (i.e. a haematoma) can get absorbed by the body, your photograph suggests more than a small amount. My recommendation will be to have this fluid aspirated/drained. There is some causal link between haematoma around a breast implant and later capsular contracture.

Anindya Lahiri, MBBS
Birmingham Plastic Surgeon

Hematoma, seroma, and management

Hello, Small hematomas can certainly be left alone. The body will break and absorb the hematoma over time. How long this will take will depend on the size of the hematoma and your body. The prolonged presence of a hematoma may increase the chance of a capsule contracture down the road. It would not be too difficult to drain the hematoma under local anesthesia and possibly leave a small drain to deal with the extra healing fluid stimulated by the presence of the... more