Fluid around breast implant 7 years after surgery. Any suggestions?

 It sounds like what you had was known as a late seroma. This is rare, but can happen and is usually harmless, normally settling spontaneously after having the fluid removed, as you have.  Recently, some evidence has emerged that these collections of fluid maybe in response to a very rare breast tumour (ALCL) and there appears to be an association with textured implants in particular.  At the moment, the risk appears to be about one in 200,000, though there is a possibility that this is an under estimate of how often it happens. If you have ongoing symptoms, I would go back to your surgeon and discuss further investigation. It is probably nothing but I think you should make sure.

You have developed something called a late seroma which warrants further investigation. In most cases it's nothing but in rare cases it can represent a rare (but treatable) form of cancer known as ALCL. You surgeon should drain the fluid and send it for special tests to rule out this condition. Best of luck! 

You need to be seen by your surgeon or get a second opinion. Was the fluid sent to be tested? One concern is ALCL. Please discuss this with a surgeon in your area. Don't delay. All the best. The foregoing information provided is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, it is provided for educational purposes only.You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or discontinuing an existing treatment. Talk with your healthcare provider about any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

I appreciate your question.

A late seroma needs to be further evaluated by your surgeon.  Please have him/her send a fluid sample to cytology.



The best way to assess and give
true advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified
plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative breast surgery.

Best of luck!



Dr. Schwartz

Hello,Your Plastic Surgeon will need to investigate further- send a sample of the fluid for testing.Please follow up with your Plastic Surgeon and ask for further intervention for your seroma.All the best

Without an in-person examination, it is impossible to determine what
might be going on. However, since you have had your breast implants for several
years and only recently began to experience some pain, you may have capsular
contracture. This is one of the most common complications that develops after
breast augmentation, but should be easily remedied with revision surgery. Since
your breast doesn’t feel hard to the touch and you don’t have pain throughout
the breast, you may have caught capsular contracture early on in its
development. See your plastic surgeon in person for a thorough exam and
diagnosis.

You should be evaluated by a board certified plastic surgeon.  You may require removal and replacement of the implant.  It is also possible that the fluid could become infected.  Schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon.  Best wishes, Dr. Jean

A fluid collection around an implant that occurs more than 1 year after surgery should be sampled and sent for specific tests. Every plastic surgeon should be aware of these guidelines.  You should seek follow up with your plastic surgeon.

Thank you for your question. Late seroma and recent onset of pain need to be evaluated by plastic surgeon. Please a qualified PS for further evaluation.

A late seroma, especially if you, as I believe, have got textured implants, should be investigated further. A sample of the fluid should be sent for cytology to full out the remote possibility of ALCL. You should book an appointment with your surgeon for this, or get a second opinion.