Should I be concerned about seroma pockets?

Question

I am 16 days out. I have had 4 lymphatic drainage massages. I have two pockets of seroma approx .5 inch away from my incisions/adits (they are healed now). I am not sure if I should have the looked at or how serious this can be. My lower abdomen/pubis area is entirely full of fluid. There is a "shelf" that protrudes about two inches. Again this whole area is very hard and very tender. Thank you. PS I wear my compression garment daily!

Mark Edward Hennessy, MD · Answer

You should be commended for your compliance with all of your post Lipo instructions. Localized trapped areas of superficial fluid, especially seromas, are generally  painful and potentially may become infected. I agree with your statement above: you should return to your surgeon for an evaluation. The treatment for a seroma is decompression which your surgeon could perform in his/her office. Hope this helps.

Calvin Jung, MD · Answer

Hi Mel, 
If the area is hard and tender, very likely it is not a seroma but the healing phase post lipo where some scar tissue begins to form.  Your time line, 16 days post procedure is consistent with when patients get areas of firmness etc.  For peace of mind I would follow up with your surgeon to have the area looked at.  If it is actually a pocket of fluid, they can determine if it needs to be drained at that point.

Hope this helps!

Ryan Neinstein, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Thanks for the question, I find a lot of liposuction patients think they have a serum but they really just have soft scar tissue and this is something your surgeon will be able to explain to you and explain ways to help. Things that are cheap and easy are the fascia blaster and home light stimulation therapy

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

If you think you have seromas, I recommend getting a formal evaluation with your Doctor. You may also have swelling, which may last 3-6 months after your procedure. I recommend adding hyperbaric oxygen and lymphatic massage along with your compression to help decrease any swelling. To improve your final results, I also recommend adding vanquish for further fat removal, exilis/venus legacy for skin tightening, cellutone/z wave to make the skin smooth, remove scar tissue, and improve the skin’s appearance. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Marco A. Pelosi III, MD, FACOG, FACS · Answer

See your surgeon to see if there are any large fluid pockets that warrant drainage. Only through an exam can this be determined.

Lawrence D. Chang, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Swelling after the type of procedure you had done can fluctuate and last anywhere from 2-6 months. The more active you are after surgery, the more swelling you will have. However, seromas require surgical intervention.

Gordon Andan, MD · Answer

If you have any concerns after your procedure, don't hesitate to contact your cosmetic surgeon's office. Some swelling is completely normal, but swelling to a degree that makes you feel anxious is not. Your doctor is the one who can best gauge your situation and advise you if additional steps need to be taken. Best of luck.

Should I be concerned about seroma pockets?

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