It’s almost a year post surgery. Does encapsulated seroma need to be surgically removed? Or can they go away on their own? Doctor who performed tummy tuck/lipo said it takes 2 years to go away. He said if he surgically removed it, it will come back. He said it’s better to wait. Is that true?
August 19, 2019
Answer: Encapsulated seroma Early seromas can be drained post operatively by aspiration or re-insertion of a drain. A longstanding or chronic seroma will likely have organized and developed a capsule. Aspiration is usually ineffective in these cases as the dead space persists and usually re-accumulates fluid. In these cases, an open excision of the seroma capsule and placement of a drain is necessary.With regards to your specific question, a seroma which has persisted for nearly a year (in my experience) will need to be drained. I will typically attempt serial aspiration followed by drain replacement. If unsuccessful, seroma capsule excision is indicated. While it is true, the seroma can recur post excision, in the setting of an organized capsule it often represents the best chance for resolution. As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS). Donovan Rosas MD Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery Member: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons RealSelf Top 100 RealSelf Hall of Fame
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August 19, 2019
Answer: Encapsulated seroma Early seromas can be drained post operatively by aspiration or re-insertion of a drain. A longstanding or chronic seroma will likely have organized and developed a capsule. Aspiration is usually ineffective in these cases as the dead space persists and usually re-accumulates fluid. In these cases, an open excision of the seroma capsule and placement of a drain is necessary.With regards to your specific question, a seroma which has persisted for nearly a year (in my experience) will need to be drained. I will typically attempt serial aspiration followed by drain replacement. If unsuccessful, seroma capsule excision is indicated. While it is true, the seroma can recur post excision, in the setting of an organized capsule it often represents the best chance for resolution. As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS). Donovan Rosas MD Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery Member: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons RealSelf Top 100 RealSelf Hall of Fame
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August 19, 2019
Answer: Seroma Dear Ruby1959, In case of seroma in early postoperative period, repeated aspirations might help but if the seroma is a few months old or older, then it has a capsule and it requires a surgery in order to remove it. 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
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August 19, 2019
Answer: Seroma Dear Ruby1959, In case of seroma in early postoperative period, repeated aspirations might help but if the seroma is a few months old or older, then it has a capsule and it requires a surgery in order to remove it. 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
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