How likely that seroma, incapsulated, 4 months post surgery, will go away on its own?

Question

I had smart liposuction of abdomen 4 month ago, and today ultrasound showed a seroma. It is hard to touch and can be painful when in tight touch with clothes. I am wearing garment all the time. One of the doctors wrote that if the sack has already been formed around the pool of fluid, than it will never be reabsorbed. I am very concerned about it, besides that it looks terrible, big mass, and the whole look --it uneven, i am worried abut the risk of infection and how dangerous all the scars tissue formed.

Kevin Brenner, MD, FACS · Answer

Seromas do in fact occur after liposuction, particularly following some of the newer energy based devices. Seromas should be drained as soon as possible. I would recommend needle aspiration to begin with. Sometimes this may need to be performed on several visits. Even if a capsule has formed, which is possible, needle aspiration is effective. Should the seroma continue to recur despite multiple aspirations, then you should consider open capsulectomy.

David Hansen, MD · Answer

Your results are why not many docs do laser liposuction anymore since seromas are just 1 of the many problems seen with them. The seroma at 4 months needs drainage and kenalog injections at the very least. Sincerely, David Hansen,MD

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Seromas are most often seen when ultrasound or lasers are used as a component of liposuction. They should be drained periodically until accumulation of the fluid stops. A chronic seroma cavity can compromise the long-term results.

Robert Heck, MD, FACS · Answer

A seroma 4 months after liposuction is very rare, and it is also very rare for it to incapsulate. The seroma needs to be drained and if if the fluid collection continues to develop, the bursa sac may need to be removed.

William T. Stoeckel, MD · Answer

If it has been 4 months and the swelling has not steadily improved, the seroma might remain persistent unless some intervention is taken. You could have your surgeon aspirate the seroma, could have a drain placed, and could consider sclerosing agent therapy. If these options don't work, then surgical excision of the seroma capsule might be required.

How likely that seroma, incapsulated, 4 months post surgery, will go away on its own?

Answers (5)