What can I do to help get rid of a seroma after breast implant removal?

Question

I had my implants removed 8 days ago. It was a simple Explant, no drains placed. My recovery has been super easy, little pain and I feel good. I had my follow up today and my PS said I have fluid in both breasts. He said it's nothing to be concerned with and my body will reabsorb it in time. I'm not having any pain, but it freaks me out that it could get worse or infected later. I'd like to know what I can do to encourage it to reabsorb. Compression? Massage? Light activity? Heat? Ice?

Payman Danielpour, MD, FACS · Answer

Generally after removal of implants, I typically place drains into the "dead space" to allow proper collapse of the capsule.  I also suture the capsule closed to aid in sealing the dead space.  If both of these maneuvers still led to a seroma, I would drain it and use a compressive bra to decrease the chance of recurrence.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Removal of implants with a dead space present can lead to seroma formation.  Best to follow instructions of your surgeon.

Samir Shureih, MD · Answer

Removal of breast implant without a capsulectomy has the potential for a seroma formation. Small seromas, non increasing, has a small potential for absorbing. If the seroma is increasing in size or is persisting then may require a capsulectomy, drainage, and compression.

Susan Kolb, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

If the fluid does not resorb, I would recommend bilateral open capsulectomies to remove the scar capsule.  The peer reviewed literature in plastic surgery does not recommend leaving capsules in due to high complication rates.  The capsule is never absorbed, and can cause problems with seroma, cancer detection, and infection later.  Insurance will often cover this if complications of cosmetic surgery are not excluded.

What can I do to help get rid of a seroma after breast implant removal?

Answers (4)

Answer: Seroma

Answer: Seroma

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

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What can I do to help get rid of a seroma after breast implant removal?

Answers (4)

Answer: Seroma

Answer: Seroma

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.