Lump at suture line (Photo)

Question

I had an extended thigh lift about 3 months ago. I have a bouncy lump that extends about 2 inches from my inner knee, up my suture line. I do not have pain at the site. It’s more of an annoyance and I can visibly see the lump which is embarrassing. When I use a foam pad over the site under my faja, that seems to help but when I remove that pad to go to work, it is back to its original shape and size. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question regarding the lump along your suture line three months after an extended thigh lift. I appreciate your history and the photos you provided.

Based on your description, most experienced, board-certified plastic surgeons would suspect that this is a seroma, a fluid-filled cavity that sometimes develops after surgery. Serous fluid is the body's natural healing agent, and during procedures like a thigh lift, drains are typically placed to help absorb and remove this fluid. However, in some cases, fluid accumulates even after drains are removed, leading to a persistent seroma.

Since your seroma has lasted three months, it is unlikely to resolve on its own. Treatment options vary among plastic surgeons, but the most common approaches include:

Aspiration with a Needle – The simplest treatment involves draining the seroma using a needle every other day until the fluid stops accumulating.
Injection of a Sclerosant – Some surgeons inject a sclerosant (a substance that helps the seroma walls stick together and close), but this method is not always effective, especially for larger or long-standing seromas.
Drain Placement – A closed or open drain may be inserted into the seroma cavity to help drain the fluid completely. Open drains tend to be the most effective because they allow fluid to drain naturally over a few days to a week.
Surgical Removal of the Seroma Cavity – If less invasive treatments fail, your plastic surgeon may recommend a minor surgical procedure to remove both the fluid and the seroma capsule. The cavity often looks like a thin eggshell and, if left untreated, may continue filling with fluid. A drain may or may not be used after excision.
Regardless of the treatment approach, compression and foam padding will be essential in preventing recurrence. Since you have already noticed that wearing foam under your faja helps reduce the lump, this suggests that external compression is beneficial in managing the fluid accumulation.

I recommend consulting with your plastic surgeon as soon as possible for an in-person evaluation and treatment plan. The longer a seroma persists, the more challenging it can be to treat, so early intervention is ideal.

Good luck, and I hope this helps answer your question regarding the lump after your extended thigh lift.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

If this is just a lump then it can be liposucted or the scar can be revised.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Ramiro Morales, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and picture.  It sounds to me from your description that you probably have a fluid collection or seroma under the skin and the scar.  If so this can usually easily be corrected with aspiration of the fluid collection in your Plastic Surgeon's office.  I recommend that you make an appt to see your PS as soon as possible.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Fat tissue has very limitted blood supply; this is in particular the case with patients who lost weight like you. Surgery of any kind, including liposuction, will further diminish blood supply in the area around incision; as a result, some fat tissue will undergo what is known as a fat necrosis, death. This tissue in time may turn into a scar or may open up as a cyst and drain clear, oily content. Observe, gently massage and stay in touch with your surgeon. In some cases surgeon may decide to remove that lump surgically in local anesthesia. Good luck.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You may have a collection of fluid that needs to be drained. This is not that uncommon with thigh lifts. Go back to your surgeon.

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