How long will a seroma take to absorb in breast? What can I do to help it heal? Should I massage?

Question

I have a Seroma in one breast. My implant sits high now even though the swelling is gone. My doctor is confident it'll absorb but I feel it's been taking too long. He wants to see me at my 3 month checkup but it's depressing me.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hi dear, thank you for your question. Seromas will gradually be re-absorbed by the body. However, this can take many days or even weeks. Sometimes a ‘knot’ of calcified tissue remains after the seroma has dissipated. This calcification may show up on follow-up imaging studies, but is of no health concern whatsoever. However, sometimes the accumulation of fluid in a seroma can be excessive, causing the skin to stretch and to sag. This can be uncomfortable for the patient and prolong the recovery time. In these situations the seroma might be drained by needle aspiration, but this can take several visits. good luck and best wishes.

Vincent P. Marin, MD, FACS · Answer

A seroma normally needs to be removed to help facilitate the the breast recovery. An untreated seroma can increase the risk for capsular contracture. It is worth addressing this with your doctor in person and, although this may improve with time, it might be beneficial to act more aggressively. Continue to follow up with your surgeon to ensure that you progress as planned.

Best of luck,

Vincent Marin, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Best of luck,

Vincent Marin, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Ciro Adamo, PhD, MD · Answer

Not having the opportunity to see you, it is very difficult to be concretely helpful.How was e seroma diagnosed? Did you have an ultrasound scan? You are saying that the swelling is gone, which would make me believe there is no fluid collection right now.Is it just the implant sitting too high, or the entire breast got bigger?As you can see, too many questions to be able to tell you something practical. You should surely see your surgeon more often if you are worried, and don't be worried to ask more questions about your situation.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about the problem you are experiencing.  Your plastic surgeon will be your best resource when it comes to advising "treating modalities such as massage etc. I would suggest that you seek more frequent follow-up than what is already scheduled. Best wishes.

Robert H. Hunsaker, MD · Answer

In my experience, true seromas are very uncommon and rarely resorb and require treatment. If it is a hematoma, it needs to be surgically evacuated/cleaned out. If it is simply malposition, it is best to wait (in my opinion) at least six months before repositioning. I don't know how long after surgery you are now whaich also has some influence

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Are you sure it is a seroma and not hematoma? Also a scan to determine the amount in volume of this fluid collection. Plus you did not specify you timing in your question so very hard to advise...

How long will a seroma take to absorb in breast? What can I do to help it heal? Should I massage?

Answers (6)

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