What happens if you don't treat a seroma? (Photo)

Question

I think I may have a small amount of fluid in my left breast 8 weeks post breast implant explantation. I have seen my surgeon several times and he never expressed any concern and there is no pain or discomfort at all. I only noticed my left breast feels a bit watery and if I hold it in just a certain way, I can get a little "wave" in my skin by poking it. What will happen if I just leave it alone, continue with my massage and red light therapy and nothing else? Thank you

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The body will often heal a small seroma with no extra intervention.  If your surgeon is aware of it and is following you closely it should be fine to allow the body to take care of it.  If you notice that it doesn't improve or it worsens, contact your surgeon on how to proceed.  They often can be drained easily in the office.

Trent D. Douglas, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and doing your homework on RealSelf.  Seromas come in a variety of shapes and sizes.  Very small ones will absorb by themselves but larger ones may need to be drained to help complete the healing and recovery process.

Bao L. Phan, MD · Answer

Small fluid collections/ seromas following breast implant removal can happen sometimes.  If it’s just a small amount your body can usually absorb it   on its own as long as it is not getting larger.  Larger collections may need to be drained (often just under local anesthesia) to prevent pain, visible deformity, asymmetry and infection of the sterile fluid.  Follow up with your plastic surgeon as recommended and let them know if it gets larger.  Best wishes.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I would have recommended going to your plastic surgeon which you did.  Number one, a diagnosis can be made, maybe even without an ultrasound.  Number two, if this needs to be drained, the plastic surgeon has a much better chance of draining it than someone else.  Since you deny pain or discomfort, your body should slowly absorb the fluid.Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Himansu Shah, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and photo. It is difficult to answer your question without examining you however a small seroma can resolve over time and a larger seroma may require drainage. It is best to follow up with your board certified plastic surgeon. Good luck.

What happens if you don't treat a seroma? (Photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: What happens if you don't treat a seroma? (Photo)

Answer: What happens if you don't treat a seroma? (Photo)

Answer: What happens if you don't treat a seroma?

Answer: What happens if you don't treat a seroma?

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

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

What happens if you don't treat a seroma? (Photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: What happens if you don't treat a seroma? (Photo)

Answer: What happens if you don't treat a seroma? (Photo)

Answer: What happens if you don't treat a seroma?

Answer: What happens if you don't treat a seroma?

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

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