Just had breast reduction. No drains were placed. I am 4 days post op and am hearing sloshing of fluids in both breasts. Advice?

Question

I know this is somewhat normal but when will this subside? Will my body reabsorbe or is there anything I can do ? I also have a small seroma where the fat was taken out that feels like fluid soft not hard. Is here anything I should be doing?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Rlutes01,I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment. Only after thorough examination you can get proper recommendations and advice.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Tim Sayed, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Many plastic surgeons (including myself) do not routinely use drains in breast reduction. Most breast reduction seromas will be absorbed spontaneously if small, but if you actually hear fluid sloshing, your surgeon may wish to place a needle to drain the collections and help them resolve faster. This may need to be repeated a few times for the seroma to subside; in rare cases, a surgeon may need to put drains in through a minor procedure if the seroma persists after multiple percutaneous drainage attempts.

Steven Turkeltaub, MD · Answer

Without any further information nor an examination, it is impossible to exactly determine whether there is any major need for concern. It is possible that you may have some extent of fluid/blood accumulation that can be compounded by air deep to your skin/breast tissue that hasn't fully be resorbed (absorbed) yet. You should contact your plastic surgeon's office and share your concern. They can then better determine the nature of this whether it is normal or needs to be addressed in some way.Steven Turkeltaub, MD

Just had breast reduction. No drains were placed. I am 4 days post op and am hearing sloshing of fluids in both breasts. Advice?

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Just had breast reduction. No drains were placed. I am 4 days post op and am hearing sloshing of fluids in both breasts. Advice?

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.