Seroma after Brazilian Butt Lift - how can I treat it?

Thankyou for your query. An established seroma, so many years after a BBL, will require more than just drainage. I have treated a few established seromas with drainage followed by curettage using a thin curette to scrape out the walls of the seroma, followed by insertion of a drain for a week or longer till the cavity collapses and seals. These treatments have, so far, all been successful. I had earlier tried drainage with injection of some chemicals (tetracycline) with variable results. Antibiotic coverage is important but I have not seen any infections with either of these techniques. Please find an experienced board certified Plastic surgeon in your area who can can help you with all your concerns. All the best!

Hello @xo_chaoticnonsense, thank you for your question. A personalized consultation is needed to make an adequate surgical that will prevent you from having to deal with the negative effects of bad practice later on. For more information and recommendations, it is best to consult with one or several board certified plastic surgeons. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS.

Draining the seroma can safely be performed under ultrasound guidance. Though an infection is a risk, when performed with sterile technique, needle aspiration can be easily and safely performed under local anesthesia. The swelling may be a liquified fat cyst from the transfer that upon drainage, does not return. I would recommend following up with a board certified plastic surgeon for imaging and further management options as this is not likely to resolve without intervention.

Dr. Eric J. Wright

Early seromas after liposuction and fat transfer are not that rare. However, those that stay for months or years (in your case) need to be treated. Seroma evacuation, ultrasound guided, should be the first step. This should be done by a radiologist. If seroma continues to come back, surgery, including removal of capsule like tissue formed around seroma may be needed. In person consultation with board certified surgeon, in case of surgery, is recommended.

Dear xo_chaoticnonsense,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a 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

Best is to virtual consult with... But first obtain a sub cutaneous scan/ultrasound to see the seroma. In my practice I offer sub cutaneous guided ultrasounds with aspiration and injection of tetracycline antibiotics. Fee from $3,500.

You may drain the seroma anytime. If very large, you may only partially drain it. If it re-occurs, your surgeon may inject the seroma cavity with steroids.
Dr. Taranow

Seoma that has formed over the buttock can be two fold. This can be either a seroma or a blow out leison. A blow out lesion is formed when there is a fat necrosis that formed by having too much fat injected in one area. This results in a blow out. This distinction is important since a seroma can easily be drained with a needle (done by any physician even your primary care) where as a blow out requires incision and drainage of fat and closure by a BBL specialist. Please consider a virtual consultation by a high def BBL specialist to get you more clarity.

A Seroma should be treated as soon as recognized right after surgery. I’m the early post op period seromas as treated by frequent (daily if possible) drainage or placement of a drain. If not treated early the fluid collection develops a capsule and can no longer be treated using drainage.
Once encapsulated the seroma requires direct surgical excision of the seroma capsule or it will recur. A drain should also be placed during excision of the seroma capsule.
I suggest you follow up with your provider who should be able to manage this.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD