Seroma sac removed but area is still filling up with fluid (7 mo post-op) - is this normal? (photo)

Dear Gisel,
I am sorry you are having such an issue after such a common procedure.
It is abnormal to have a fluid collection 7 months post liposuction and certainly not after surgical excision. Difficult to determine the cause, but serial (three time a week) drainages with low dose steroid injections weekly or bi monthly should be a consideration. A concern would be a lymphatic structure injury (very rare so not my first thought). You should continue to follow up with your surgeon at least twice weekly for drainage. A fluid culture is in order.
Best wishes.
Dr. Taranow

In order to close the potential space from fluid buildup and drain needs to be placed when removing a seroma capsule.

This prevents the space from forming.

Once healed up without a fluid collection the drain is removed.


When I seroma forms it needs to be drained on a daily basis immediately upon detection before it becomes encapsulated. This is the only way to stop them from becoming chronic.

Providers are sometimes not aggressive enough about treating these and allow fluid to build up which is very counter to having them go away.

Once encapsulated it can only be removed with direct open surgical excision.

I would anticipate the seroma coming back after surgical excision if a drain is not placed.

At this point depending on how long ago your surgery was you can either have it aspirated on a very regular basis preferably daily, open the incision and place a drain or open the incision to allow it to drain to the outside like an open wound.

Follow up with your provider or schedule in person second opinion consultations.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD