How Much Fluid Can Seroma Hold?

The size of the seroma is really not that important. The fact that it is being drained is important.  Removal of the serous  fluid is necessary to allow for the skin flap to re-adhere to the underlying muscle/fascia. Otherwise you may develop a chronic seroma cavity that would require excision of scar tissue (further surgery) to treat.  If your current drains  become nonfunctional additional drains may need to be placed.

Best wishes.

I have drained more than 500 cc from a seroma but that is not relevant. Even if you put out 200cc per day that does not mean that you will collect 600 cc in 3 days. A seroma can put out more than the cavity from which it arises. In some cases the drain can be responsible for the persistent drainage. In many instances, the drain serves the purpose of allowing the cavity to shrink so that when the drains are removed, the cavity collapses. The seroma may close off or it may require repeated aspirations or replacement of the drain. In rare instances it forms a cyst which must be excised or sutured shut.

Patients who undergo tummy tuck should be aware of the recovery process and the possible risk of complications. One possible complication is a collection of fluid underneath the skin called a seroma. A small seroma may go away on its own but a large collection may require drainage or a small surgical procedure to evacuate completely. The most important aspect in taking care of these collections is addressing them right away. This will prevent them from becoming larger or interfering with your result. If you have a seroma, you should return to your plastic surgeon and let him know of your concerns and of the fluid collection. They will let you know the best way to address it and if a simple drainage or a small surgical procedure will be necessary. Patients who have a seroma should also use a tight compression garment as this will help collapse the tissue and make sure it does not return.