Had a Seroma Incised, packed It 11 Days Let It Heal over Will It Get Infected Later? (photo)

Question

I had a seroma incised after a thigh lift, it was the size of a golf ball on my outer knee. I packed it for 11 days then ran out of packing so I put a bandaid on it and it started to closed almost immediately. . I am wondering if it will get infected later because I didn't pack keep packing it. It closed so fast I am hoping no infection occurs in the future. What do you think Doctor. Tina

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello greeneyes1 in Olmsted Falls. Thank you for your question regarding the risk of infection after having a seroma incised and packed.

Seromas are not uncommon after a thigh lift. The typical treatment of a seroma after a thigh lift includes serial aspirations, meaning a needle is inserted every 48 to 72 hours to drain the seroma. Most seromas are treated and cured in this way. For seromas that do not heal with serial aspirations, a more aggressive approach may include the insertion of packing or a drain. In your case, packing was inserted.

It is unfortunate that the packing fell out. The packing allows any fluid in the seroma to further drain. The fact that the seroma was opened and the packing fell out does lead to an increased chance of infection. We will only know with time if an infection will occur. It is important that you follow up with your plastic surgeon. During this time, I would suggest you be placed on at least a 10 to 14 day course of antibiotics.

If it gets infected, your seroma will require further treatment, and increased surveillance is important. I hope I’ve answered your question regarding the accepted treatment of a seroma that developed after a thigh lift, as well as the risk of infection after the packing fell out of the seroma.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS
Plastic Surgeon

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

I am not sure I understand your question. Who incised your seroma, why was this done and not a needle aspiration? Who is packing the wound are you under the care of physician? Just seems odd. There is always a chance of infection if you are not using sterile technique and are treating yourself. If it has closed down and healed then you should be safe but I would seek the care of a physician.

George Commons, MD (retired) · Answer

The correction of the seroma will work just fine and you are very very unlikely to have trouble in the future. Check with your doctor on scheduled appointments and see what is required if anything. I predict success and happiness. My Best, Dr C

Had a Seroma Incised, packed It 11 Days Let It Heal over Will It Get Infected Later? (photo)

Answers (3)

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