Is soft, squishy swelling normal after gynecomastia surgery? Or is it a seroma?

Question

I'm 15 days post op, type 1 gyno, excision and lipo. Overall happy, but a bit unsure about my left side. I wear a compression vest 24/7. Notably in the morning, a ~5cm area beneath and adjacent to my left nipple is more swollen and puffy than my right (which is flat). It feels very squishy, and tapping it, it "jiggles"/bounces a bit. During the day, the compression vest reduces this swelling almost totally, and it feels more like regular firmer swelling. Could it still be a seroma?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear aulay,it is hard to tell without an examination. I would suggest you to consult your plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

C. Jeff Kesler, MD · Answer

Thank you for submitting your question. It sounds like you're wearing your compression garment as instructed. If you have an asymmetric swelling that feels fluid like, I would recommend evaluation by your surgeon as early as is convenient. A phone call to let them know what is happening is important. Many times this is nothing and will resolve. I would air on the side of caution and make your surgeon aware.
Good luck!
Dr. K

Alastair J. Platt, FRCS (plast) · Answer

You are still in the very early days following surgery and a degree of swelling is still to be expected.  It is often different on side compared to the other and from your description a small amount of serum fluid may be present.  It would be best to have this evaluated by your surgeon.  Small seromas are often left as they are likely to dissipate on their own,

best wishes

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for the question and from your description it probably is a seroma.  So see your surgeon and have it evaluatedDr Corbin.com

Is soft, squishy swelling normal after gynecomastia surgery? Or is it a seroma?

Answers (4)

Answer: Seroma

Answer: Seroma

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Gynecomastia Surgery

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

Is soft, squishy swelling normal after gynecomastia surgery? Or is it a seroma?

Answers (4)

Answer: Seroma

Answer: Seroma

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Gynecomastia Surgery

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