Old seroma that doesn't go away - Is this scar tissue? How can i get rid of it? (photos)

Question

I had lipo 360 and had a seroma from day 1 that was drained a few times. It decreased a lot, but now at my 6wk PO appt a nurse tried to drain it thinking there was a bit of fluid left, and there was NOTHING in it. It’s just a bump now, not hard at all. Just soft bump. Ive compressed a ton, and don’t know what else could work. Any recommendations on what to do? It’s literally the only imperfection on my skin. Is this scar tissue? How can i get rid of it? Please help.

Ben Lee, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Seromas after liposuction are rare but are appropriately managed by drainage, sometimes more than once. At 6 weeks, there is still swelling of the tissues and you are a long ways from complete recovery. There is a tendency to think of liposuction as a fairly minor procedure, when in fact, the wound underneath the surface is quite large. It therefore takes much more time to recover from the surgery than most patients realize. You have several weeks to go before the lasting results can be assessed.

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @Sky147, thank you for your question. It may be a scarring consequence of the seroma. In this case, an ultrasound can be performed to determine how the area is internally. If you would like more information and options, I would recommend consulting one or several board certified plastic surgeons. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD FACS

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Seromas will typically resolve with draining, compression, and massage.  I encourage you to return to your surgeon for an ultrasound to determine if any specific interventions are necessary to aid your body in healing the area.

Gianfranco Frojo, MD · Answer

You need to see a board-eligible or board-certified plastic surgeon who has ultrasound technology in their office to further evaluate the area.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Irregularietis of this kind are frequent after liposuction even without history of seroma. Based on your description, this may be area of fat necrosis, seroma capsule, scar. Massage, worm compreses may help. Since that is not so visible, give it at least 6-8 months to settle. Ultrasound exam may help to rule out chronic seroma. You should discuss isue of treatment with your surgeon as well. Good luck.

Old seroma that doesn't go away - Is this scar tissue? How can i get rid of it? (photos)

Answers (10)

Answer: Lump

Answer: Lump

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Answer: Irrgeularties after liposuction

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Everything you need to know about Lipo 360

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Old seroma that doesn't go away - Is this scar tissue? How can i get rid of it? (photos)

Answers (10)

Answer: Lump

Answer: Lump

Answer: Irrgeularties after liposuction

Answer: Irrgeularties after liposuction

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Lipo 360

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