Why do I still have pocket of fluid? Will it go away?

Question

I had tumescent lipo along with smart lipo 8 days ago, "I KNOW ITS A PROCESS & THAT I AM STILL HEALING"... BUT... there is a pocket of fluid that is on my left side and it jiggles as if I am tapping on a water balloon. To ease my mind I really need to know if this is normal?, will it go away? when & how??? SOMEONE (A CERTIFIED SURGEON) PLEASE HELP!!

William Andrade, MD · Answer

If you are concerned about your healing it is best to arrange followup with your surgeon.  It sounds like you are frustrated by the lack of concrete advice but it truly is hard to diagnose your issue and suggest management on a forum like this.  You require a proper assessment.

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

If you feel like there is a pocket of fluid that is abnormal, you may have a seroma, which is a cavity filled with fluid that will not heal. While these are not really considered "normal," they are a common complication after surgery. Sometimes they resolve on their own, but sometimes they can require drainage in the office or even surgery to drain them if they will not go away.You are only 8 days out from surgery though, so I would not freak out just yet. There may be some residual swelling in the area that may resolve on its own. The best option would be to call the plastic surgeon who did your procedure and discuss with him or her your concerns. They will decide whether you need to be seen sooner rather than later. Good luck to you!

David Finkle, MD · Answer

Seromas are a collection of fluid, usually plasma, lymph and liquefied fat cells that can accumulate after any procedure. They need to be drained, to allow the skin to "stick" back down. This is a simple office visit where a small needle is placed through a numb skin area to aspirate the fluid. A compression dressing/garment is then placed to help prevent a repeat seroma. Most seromas will drain for weeks, be patient and allow your surgeon to drain these as often as needed.  Any person can drain a seroma, even a nurse.Good Luck!

John A. Millard, MD, FACS · Answer

Your symptoms sound suspicious for what is called a seroma (A fluid collection after liposuction).  I call what you are describing the "Waterbed Sign", which is what you see; a fluid wave by tapping on the area.  This is usually diagnostic for a seroma.  I suggest seeing your doctor so that he or she can either confirm or rule out this possibility.  It is important to drain a seroma, because it can lead to a long term deformity in the area that you has sculpted!

Why do I still have pocket of fluid? Will it go away?

Answers (4)

Answer: Seroma? After Tumescent Liposuction

Answer: Seroma? After Tumescent Liposuction

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Why do I still have pocket of fluid? Will it go away?

Answers (4)

Answer: Seroma? After Tumescent Liposuction

Answer: Seroma? After Tumescent Liposuction

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Everything you need to know about Tumescent Liposuction

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