How Long Does It Take to Stop a Seroma From Draining After Surgery for Silicone Implants?

Question

I am 3 weeks postoperatively silicone. After the first week, developed a large seroma and my doctor would not drain. In 15 days drained spontaneously through the scar, and now I have to try to drain help decrease the amount of liquid. How long does it take to stop seroma to drain and heal?

Kevin Brenner, MD, FACS · Answer

Seromas that form following breast augmentation are uncommon, but need to be cared for appropriately. There are two reasons to treat a seroma. 1) Seromas can potentially become infected. 2) Seroma fluid around an implant can possibly increase the risk of developing capsular contracture. Before anything is done, you should get an ultrasound of the breast to see if the fluid collection is in direct communication with the breast implant. If it is, you want to consider having it drained surgically.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

Significant fluid collections following breast augmentation should be investigated aggressively. It's unusual for patients to have isolated seromas following breast augmentation surgery. In most cases, this type of problem is related to either post-operative bleeding or infection. For this reason, re-operative surgery is usually necessary to determine the cause of this problem and treat whatever condition is found.For these reason, it's important that you consult your surgeon as soon as possible. Under these circumstances, re-exploration will probably be necessary. If infection is found, there's a strong probability that treatment will require implant removal and systemic antibiotics.

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

Seroma formation after breast augmentation is very unusual, but can happen.  It is very important that you follow closely with your surgeon to ensure that there are no signs of infection.  

	 

	Good Luck.

Scott C. Sattler, MD, FACS · Answer

My experience with breast fluid collections (seromas) is that they often resolve on their own - this sometimes takes a while, but any intervention into the seroma risks contaminating the implant. I prefer to leave these fluid collections alone unless their are obvious signs of infection or ongoing bleeding.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Seromas are a very frustrating problem because they can take a long time to resolve. The main concern right now is that you have an increased risk of infection because bacteria can potenitally get inside through the leaking hole. Placing a drain and a compressive dressing is the best option right now.

Sincerely,

Martin Jugenburg, MD

Sincerely,

Martin Jugenburg, MD

Steven Turkeltaub, MD · Answer

As you have read from the answers from other plastic surgeons, a seroma following a breast augmentation is very uncommon and may be a consequence of an infection though not necessarily so. The presence of continued profuse drainage after more than two weeks is a concern. Even more problematic is that it is coming through your incision exposing the implant to possible infection (if there already isn't an infection/contamination) and therefore the possibility that it may have to be removed for a period of time.

	Questions: 1. Is your doctor a plastic surgeon?  2. has a culture been taken of the fluid?  3. is your doctor aware of the wound opening?

	If your doctor is not a plastic surgeon, you need to see one ASAP. If he/she is, you may also want to consider seeing another board certified plastic surgeon ASAP as this is an emergent problem. Also, make sure that your doctor is aware of the drainage and open wound.

Aaron Stone, MD · Answer

Spontaneously draining seromas a month after breast augmentation makes me highly suspicious of an infection. You probably will not like it but your best bet is to remove the affected implant for 3 to 6 months before placing another one with a course of antibiotics starting yesterday. The end result will be better than ending up with a chronic infection that intermittently responds to antibiotics but eventually leads to bad capsular contracture.

	My response to your question/post does not represent formal medical advice or constitute a doctor patient relationship. You need to consult with i.e. personally see a board certified plastic surgeon in order to receive a formal evaluation and develop a doctor patient relationship.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

Seroma is a late problem after breast augmentation, and over many years we have never seen one after three weeks. Drainage is a very serious situation that implies an implant infection until shown otherwise. Keep in close contact with your surgeon.

	Best of luck,

	peterejohnsonmd

Brian Klink, MD · Answer

As you may gather from the other comments, a much more aggressive approach is necessary. The pocket needs to be cleaned, drained and closed. A new implant may be necessary as well. The consequences of a delay may be a serious infection that could require implant removal. See your doctor!

Kamran Khoobehi, MD · Answer

The reason for the seroma can be infection,blood cloth and too big a pocket. The drainage of the seroma to outside has high risk of infection. The options are placement of drainer and oral antibiotics. You are at high risk of capsular contracture even if seroma resolved by the drainage. If no response you may have to remove the implant and replace it after 3-6 months.

How Long Does It Take to Stop a Seroma From Draining After Surgery for Silicone Implants?

Answers (14)

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