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

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.

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.