Can a seroma disappear with exercise even though you are supposed to decrease activity when you have one?

Question

I had a persistent seroma post TT (5 weeks ago) that was drained 3 times. This week I accumulated very little fluid. Since it didn't increase, I started back into my jogging routine yesterday and today. The fluid is gone. I think my lymphatic system 'woke up' and absorbed the fluid. I thought I was supposed to be inactive during a seroma but it appears my increased activity made my seroma go away. I'm set for a check in with my PS tomorrow but wanted to see what other docs thought. Thank you!

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Seromas are unpredictable creatures. Traditionally we treat them with activity limitation, compression and aspiration. However, on occasion and often times due to frustration with persistence, patients may return to normal activity and the seroma may spontaneously resolve. Unfortunately, it is not a consistent finding. Glad to hear it disappeared.

Peter D. Geldner, MD · Answer

Seroma can behave erratically. You're right that the lymphatics probably reduced the fluid enough that the seroma resolved. Typically, we want our patients to reduce excessive movement and use some compression until the seroma goes away. The fluid resorbs and the tissue scars to eliminate the potential space. In your case, it seems that your body did the right thing even though you exercised. I wouldn't suggest other patients with seromas exercise to eliminate seromas, but you can't argue with success. Odds are that you were well along the road to seroma correction. Congratulations.

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your interesting inquiry.  First I am glad and hopeful that you are done dealing with your seroma and wish you the best of luck at your appointment!  The seroma could be gone because with each aspiration it was probably decreasing in size and output and then of course, time,time,time.  Personally, I have no evidence that increasing your activity led to your lymphatic system recovering sooner, but I would never easily dismiss an observation you have made. Good Luck.

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I am not aware of any relation between seroma resolution and exercise. Infact it may increase because of activity. It is probably got better because of aspirations.

Lee E. Corbett, MD · Answer

There is no direct link between exercise and seroma resolution. Sounds like the aspirations were effective the skin flap scarred into place and the potential space is now closed.

Can a seroma disappear with exercise even though you are supposed to decrease activity when you have one?

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