Can you form a seroma at any time after liposuction, or does it usually occur in a certain timeframe?

Question

Can you form a seroma any time after liposuction or does it usually occur in a certain timeframe? I know compression is important but can too tight of a garment cause seromas? I have an appt for an evaluation but I'm just wondering. If i do have one, this is the 2nd one. One at two weeks and now 2 months. Both times were with new/alterred garments that felt very tight. But the surgeons office just talked about how important compression is and it needed to be tight so I keep assumming normal

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Seromas from liposuction usually form fairly early. However, once drained, they can still form in the same area for a while.

Garrett Jones, DO · Answer

A seroma can potentially form at any time after liposuction, but it's more common for it to develop within the first few weeks after the procedure. A seroma is a collection of fluid that can accumulate in the body's tissues, often in the area where surgery has taken place. In the context of liposuction, it can occur when the body's natural healing response results in the accumulation of lymphatic fluid, blood plasma, and other fluids at the site where fat has been removed.
While seromas typically form within the early postoperative period, they can also develop later, even months after the procedure. The risk of seroma formation is influenced by various factors, including the extent of the liposuction, the technique used, the patient's individual healing process, and how well postoperative instructions are followed.
To minimize the risk of seroma formation after liposuction, it's important to follow your surgeon's postoperative instructions, including wearing compression garments as recommended, avoiding strenuous activities during the initial recovery phase, and attending follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress.
If you're concerned about the possibility of a seroma or experiencing any unusual symptoms after liposuction, it's advisable to contact your surgeon for guidance and appropriate medical attention.

Bryan Curtis, MD · Answer

Seromas usually develop 7-10 days after surgery. A compression garment should only exert gentle, supportive pressure, so it should lay flat and smooth on the skin. As a general rule, the correct tightness for your compression garment leaves space to slide a hand under without difficulty. Excess compression can lead to an increased risk for pressure necrosis and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Not wearing the garment properly can contribute to seroma formation or surface contour irregularities.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Though they can sometimes occur multiple weeks after surgery, the further out you are from surgery the less common seroma formation becomes.  Compression is often utilized after surgery as it helps to give support to healing tissues and helps control swelling.  Compression should feel snug, but not be uncomfortably tight.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

There’s no scientific evidence that using compression garments has any positive impact or changes the final results after liposuction.
There are studies that show the compression garments do not reduce seroma formation,
Each provider will have their own protocol.
Unless the provider is doing something unusual or perhaps using energy devices like VASER the chance of developing a cer that is extremely low.
It would be an appropriate for me to tell you not to follow your doctor‘s instructions. We ask our patients to wear a compression garments for two weeks and then they’re done.
I’ve never seen compression garments change the outcome of Liposuction results.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Can you form a seroma at any time after liposuction, or does it usually occur in a certain timeframe?

Answers (5)

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