I have an encapsulated seroma that I am very worried about and I have several questions please.

Question

1. Can compression and/or massage help an encapsulated seroma reduce in size? 2. Can the size of an encapsulated seroma change size with time - ie can it ever shrink or get bigger on its own or is the size fixed once the encapsulation has formed? 3. Does an encapsulated seroma have to be removed or can it be safely left in place to avoid further surgery? I am concerned about having more surgery and also my PS says that, once removed, I will have a dent instead of a bulge.

Robert Frank, MD · Answer

Since the answer to most patients like you is surgery, many of the questions you are asking don't have good reliable answers. Most patients after a surgical procedure will have a seroma. Typically we know it will be resorbed over time and we don't worry about it. In the case of an abdominoplasty, we can often see the ill effects of a seroma and recommend that either they are aspirated or a new drain placed. When the collection becomes a bursa (it gains a capsule) it is often unresponsive to aspiration or a drain and needs to be surgically removed. The risk is potentially they can get bigger, they can get infected, they can lead to a sinus tract if they find a way to drain either through the incision or other area. I don't know that any of these things is disastrous but if you are doing this, even in part, for cosmetic reasons, it will compromise your ultimate appearance.

George Commons, MD (retired) · Answer

Anything is possible.  It can decrease in size.  Rarely does it increase.  A lot depends on time present and magnitude.   Generally we watch these for 6 months to a year and longer if decreasing.  If large it is best to remove it early.   I favor removal if it does not go away or shrink.  You may have a little dent for awhile but I feel those usually subside into nothing.  Get it removed if it bothers you for sure.  My Best,  Dr C

I have an encapsulated seroma that I am very worried about and I have several questions please.

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I have an encapsulated seroma that I am very worried about and I have several questions please.

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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