Will this seroma after liposuction go away on its own? (Photo)

Question

6 weeks post op - 360 Lipo, and looks like I have fluid retention. Will this seroma go away on its own? Or should I have it drained ASAP. How long until a seroma gets calcified? Should I be worried?

Ryan Neinstein, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Thanks for the question, many seromas go away on their own but large ones should be drained and sometimes we add a sclerosing agent to cause the walls of the capsule to collapse down so it does not recollect

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The best answer you can get is from an in-person exam from your PS .It is difficult to determine if you really have a seroma.Best wishes.

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

In general it is very rare to need a seroma drained from liposuction.  In fact it is very rare to get a seroma from liposuction.Now if you have a documented seroma, then it should be drained/aspirated until it resolves.  I would want to make sure it is not swelling alone and that it is a seroma.  Your surgeon should be able to determine if it is just swelling or an actual seroma.Hope that helps.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

You need recurrent drainage till the seroma is gone, tight compression, lymphatic massage and RF treatments like venus legacy.  Please see an expert.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear sashasmigura,I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment. Only after thorough examination you can get proper recommendations and advice.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

David Azouz, MD, FACS, FRCS(C) · Answer

With the proper compression and time a seroma should resolve that being said a plastic surgeon can perform a physical exam and determine if this is a seroma or generalized swelling.

Aaron Stone, MD · Answer

The risk of seromas after liposuction is precisely why activity restrictions for up to 4 weeks are needed following surgery. Following the creation of fat free tunnels under the skin by the liposuction cannulas the area is more mobile and you body will fill the tunnels with fluid if there is excessive motion between tunnel walls. The compression garments used after liposuction compress the tunnels whose walls will stick together after a few weeks of compression. Once you start collecting fluid it is important to drain it as frequently as it is noticeable or as you say ASAP, keep the tunnels collapsed by compression and prevent the tunnel wall from rubbing against each other. If you let it sit for too long the tunnel walls will not be able to stick together and the skin can be stretched thereby losing the benefit of the liposuction procedure. Calcification occurs after fat cells die. One can develop long standing seromas without any calcification. 
Small seromas may resolve on their own but the issue is how much fluid is generated per day. Once the amount is more than 20 or 30cc per day the body's ability to cycle the fluid so the collection does not get larger is overcome.

Will this seroma after liposuction go away on its own? (Photo)

Answers (7)

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