Can a Seroma/hematoma Be Absorbed by the Body on Its Own...how Long Will It Take?

Hematomas eventually get absorbed, while seromas may not.  Seromas can get absorbed but when they do the time it takes is much longer than a hematoma.  However, looking at your picture I think you should not go on looking like this.  It should be drained.  A second opinion from a board certified Plastic Surgeon is in order.

Sincerely,

Martin Jugenburg, MD

If there was acute trauma and an abrupt change in size, it usually needs to be drained.  If it is not drained and it needs to be, there will be an increased risk of infection and capsular contracture, as well as implant exposure.

Thank you for the question. It is imperative
that you see your physician immediately if you currently have a
seroma/hematoma. The accumulation of the fluid will prevent things from
properly healing, thereby compromising your results substantially. Ideally you
should have it drained and perhaps several times as they can come back.
Only small seromas resolve on their own and can take several weeks. I
hope this has helped.

Thank you for your question. A hematoma can be very mild or very pronounced in its presentation. A mild one may induce slightly more swelling and increased bruising and will likely resolve on its own. A more severe hematoma can result in dramatic asymmetry in terms of swelling, feelings of light headedness due to loss of blood, severe bruising, and can be rapidly growing. If you every experience the latter, then I would contact your surgeon immediately and if you have trouble, you may even go to the ER. Larger hematomas often have to be surgically drained.  This would be an example of a larger hematoma and if it does not show evidence of it resolving quickly, then I would recommend getting it drained.

It’s not unusual for small seromas to resorb on their
own. Unfortunately your pictures indicate the presence of a large fluid
collection. Whether this collection is the result of a seroma or hematoma, it
needs to be drained.

For this reason, the vast majority of plastic surgeons
would drain this fluid collection and explore the breast pocket to determine
its cause. Failure to adequately treat either a seroma or hematoma could have
long term adverse consequences. Under these circumstances, capsular
contracture, infection, and even loss of the implant could result.

It’s important that you discuss drainage of this fluid
collection with your plastic surgeon. Failure to adequately address this
problem could have significant long term consequences.

Seroma is a condition involving the collection of clear tissue fluid around the implant that may need to be drained, although it could be absorbed by your body. However, seeing your photo, I would recommend you have it drained because it is quite prominent.

Some seroma fluid can be absorbed by the body. However, your picture shows a significant difference in breast size, suggesting a large collection of fluid. I would be concerned about leaving this untreated, particularly if it is getting bigger. I suggest you talk with your surgeon again about options such as draining the fluid collection.Good luck,Dr. Spring

In your photo the right breast is about twice the size of the left. That is a significant collection of blood (hematoma) or fluid (seroma), possibly as much as a few hundred cc's. Not only is it distorting the breast but it is also nidus for infection. If there are any bacteria floating around in your body they could land in this area and multiply since the collection is like food the them. If your surgeon does not want to do it see if he/she will refer you to a radiologist. Under ultrasound guidance the radiologist can drain it if it is liquid and place a drainage tube if necessary. The longer you let this sit the greater the risk you will have future problems - infection, capsular contracture etc.

You should ask your surgeon to send you to a colleague for a second opinion if he/she will not drain it or send you to a radiologist for drainage. I seriously doubt this will resolve on its own.

I hope you realize that this format of posting questions and receiving answers lacks the face to face direct communication required for you to make an informed decision regarding your surgery.

My response to your question/post does not represent formal medical advice or constitute a doctor patient relationship. You need to consult with i.e. personally see a board certified plastic surgeon in order to receive a formal evaluation and develop a doctor patient relationship.

it looks to me per your photo that you have a seroma-i would return to your PS to get his recommendations to treat it-most likely draining it.  Please make sure you keep up with all your follow-up treatments with your PS

Seromas and hematomas can resorb after any surgical procedure.  However after breast augmentation if a seroma or hematoma persists, they can lead to capsular contracture or tightness around the impant.  You need to be followed closely by your physician - as long as the fluid accumulation appears to be getting better, you cna watch expectantly.  However, an operation to drain the fluid may be necessary.