Aspirated seroma returns...What should I do?

Question

5 weeks post op had a 5cm cyst/seroma drained of 60cc of fluid. 4 days later it returned. Should I return to PS or make a trip to the ER? I'm now 6 weeks post op from thighplasty with TT. Also been wearing a full bodycompression garment since week 2 and have constant swelling in lower right leg and feet. Is this normal?

Jamil Ahmad, MD · Answer

Seromas can occur after any type of body contouring surgery including a thigh lift. A seroma is fluid naturally produced by the body that can fill a potential space. Potential spaces are produced in many body contouring surgeries. Seromas can typically be managed with needle aspiration. Recurrence after needle aspiration is common. Typically, several treatments may need to be done. Initially, these may be twice per week and then once per week until the seroma has completely resolved. Each time, the amount of fluid should be decreasing. You should continue to follow-up with your plastic surgeon until the seroma is resolved. If left untreated, the seroma capsule can become well formed and could require surgery to resolve it.

Vivek Bansal, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. A seroma may need to be aspirated 1-5 times to remove enough fluid to allow healing to occur.  They can occcur, and are not a sign something terrible is occuring.  Just be sure to keep in constant contact with your surgeon.  The problem is untreated seromas. I hope this helps!

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

I would revisit with your plastic surgeon to determine what your next up is in the management of your seroma. It would be a waste of time to go to the emergency department.

Francisco Canales, MD · Answer

I would return to your plastic surgeon as soon as you can.  Seromas sometimes require placing a drain back into the cavity and can take weeks, if not months, to resolve.  Best of luck.

Aspirated seroma returns...What should I do?

Answers (4)

Answer: Seroma weeks after thigh lift

Answer: Seroma weeks after thigh lift

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Aspirated seroma returns...What should I do?

Answers (4)

Answer: Seroma weeks after thigh lift

Answer: Seroma weeks after thigh lift

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Everything you need to know about Thigh Lift

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