What's the rate of seromas & persistent fibrosis after a tumescent liposuction?

When liposuction is performed by a board-certified doctor with extensive experience and training in the procedure, the risk of seromas and persistent fibrosis is very small. The technique I use, tumescent liposuction, reduces that risk even further by placing tumescent fluid in the area that reduces bleeding during and after treatment. It also allows for tiny cannulas, so there is minimal trauma. In my office, we take every precaution to minimize the potential for seromas and scar tissue, with very good results. Make sure you select a qualified physician for your procedure and your risk should also be extremely low.

Seromas after liposuction occur in 10% of the population and is usually based on the patients anatomy. Seromas usually appear about a week or two after the procedure. The best way to get rid of a seroma and prevent fibrosis is finding it early on during the recovery period. Once the seroma has been diagnosed, it would then be aspirated. Serial aspirations may be needed depending on each patients case. After a couple aspirations, the pocket will eventually collapse. Sometimes, collagen starts form overtime and give a firm appearance. We usually wait until all the swelling settles and reassess if diluted Kenalog injections (steroid) are needed to help break down those fibers.

No drainage after liposuction is unusual, but the amount of drainage can vary quite a bit depending upon the number of areas liposuctioned, the volume infiltrated, the amount of lipoaspirate, and the use of sutures for closure of liposuction ports.  The fluid, if not present as a collection, should be absorbed.  They are usually reabsorbed into the body within a month, although this can take up to a year. If the seromas are causing a deformity, I prefer to drain them immediately.  Recommend that you follow your PS's protocol and have him/her continue to drain if necessary.If you had a hematoma due to medication, the filling of that space with fluid (seroma) is the logical physiological response.  I will say that the more that is liposuctioned the more likely the occurrence of fluid collection.  In addition, early activity and lack of compression probably contribute as well.  Fluid collection is reported in the literature as one of the most common occurrences following liposuction.