When Do You Stop Aspirating Seroma?

Postoperative seromas after abdominoplasty usually require several aspirations. As the volume of the aspirate decreases there reaches a level where there is little to be gained by introducing a needle and tapping off small amount. 5 mL is a very small amount and probably signals the end of your surgeon' s intervention.

Even in a thin patient it seems unlikely that a 5 cc seroma would provide enough of a target to aspirate. I would probably also stop, but would see you back regularly in case that is a wrong guess. If seroma recurs, consider injecting betadine or tetracycline or alcohol to sclerose the cavity. 

Best wishes.

Thank you for your question. It is important to follow the advice of your plastic surgeon. From your description it sounds as though the surgeon is managing your seroma properly.The trauma of attempting to aspirate a 5 cc seroma is likely worse than allowing the body to reabsorb the fluid in my opinion.