Will a lymphatic massage help rid of my small seroma?

Question

I had tumescent lipo on my abdomen 2 weeks ago (4/7/15) and obtained seroma, had 2 drainings and my last was an amount of 75cc. of course a little fluid came back (smaller than the size of the 75cc) and i need to know if i should get it drained or allow it to go away on its own or will it even go away on its own? if i wait to see if it will go away without draining it, will a lymphatic massage help get rid of it? how long does it take to resolve?

William Andrade, MD · Answer

If you have a postoperative problem it is best to discuss the correct course of treatment with your own surgeon since they would have done a proper exam, and will know if you are getting better with the treatment (in this case aspiration).  I do not recommend massage to treat seroma to my patients but perhaps your surgeon will have a different opinion.

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

I do not believe that lymphatic massage will help you in any significant way.  It might actually cause more damage.  I would suggest that it is drained.

Mariusz Sapijaszko, MD, FRCPC · Answer

Small seromas after liposuction can definitely happen and they resolve within few weeks with aspirations or even observation. The smaller the seroma is the faster it will resolve. If there are questions, please see your doctor.

David Finkle, MD · Answer

Seromas are a collection of fluid, usually plasma, lymph and liquefied fat cells that can accumulate after any procedure.  They need to be drained, to allow the skin to "stick" back down.  This is a simple office visit where a small needle is placed through a numb skin area to aspirate the fluid.  A compression dressing/garment is then placed to help prevent a repeat seroma.  Most seromas will drain for weeks, be patient and allow your surgeon to drain these as often as needed.Good Luck!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

The first line of treatment is aspiration in most cases.  Continued aspiration usually resolves the situation in most cases.

Will a lymphatic massage help rid of my small seroma?

Answers (5)