1 month post op arm liposuction, seroma still keeps coming back? What do I do?

Question

What to do if seroma keeps coming back despite multiple aspiration? Trip back to the doctor every 3 days is very tiring and depressing. My arms look bad! Bulge near my elbow and my arm really looks horrible with irregularities! Any recommendation on seroma tx aside from aspiration? My doctor said its not necessary to put a drain if seroma is so little(3 to 5 cc). Seroma is totally affecting my arm appearance. It sucks! If i can turn back time i could have just accepted what i have and not have arm lipo.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

If a seroma develops it typically resolves after 2-3 months.  Compresion and continued aspiration are important to keep the area from scarring.  I do suggest ultrasound treatments and/or massage as well, but some people do not.  Follow your doctors recommendations or see someone for a second opinion.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

I would guess that your liposuction was assisted by a laser or ultrasound. A drain indeed might be necessary. Occasionally a chronic seroma needs to be directly surgically excised.

Francisco Canales, MD · Answer

Chronic seromas are rare after liposuction. They may occur more often with laser liposuction.  A small seroma (3 to 5 cc) should not contribute to irregularities but if it gets larger you may need a drain placed. Most seromas resolve within 2 months of surgery so hang in there and follow all your doctor's recommendations. If needed get a second opinion in person, as online consultation will not be able to answer all your questions.

Scott R. Brundage, MD · Answer

Seromas after liposuction are unusual but could occur if you had a brachioplasty. if the seroma is only 3 to 5 cc's I am not sure there is a need to aspirate it. This is quite small. Your being only about 1 month from surgery, it is not unusual to have some irregularities that should settle with time. Again, a small bulge at the elbow is more common with a brachioplasty but you still need 6 month to allow things to heal for the final result.

1 month post op arm liposuction, seroma still keeps coming back? What do I do?

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Answer: 1 month post op arm liposuction, seroma still keeps coming back

Answer: 1 month post op arm liposuction, seroma still keeps coming back

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1 month post op arm liposuction, seroma still keeps coming back? What do I do?

Answers (4)

Answer: 1 month post op arm liposuction, seroma still keeps coming back

Answer: 1 month post op arm liposuction, seroma still keeps coming back

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