What is the General Consensus on What Constitues a "Small" Vs. "Large" Seroma??

Thank you for the question.

There is no “general consensus” when it comes to size or treatment of seroma.  The management of a specific patient's  fluid accumulation  should be individualized and may vary from one plastic surgeon to another. Therefore, it is not possible give you precise advice without knowing your full history and/or after consultation with you in person.

Generally speaking, if a capsule develops around a seroma (chronic seroma),  there is a good chance that it will not be resorbed (regardless of its size)  if the capsule is not excised.

I hope this helps.

There is no general consensus to differentiate a "small" vs. a "large" seroma.   Management of seroma can usually be treated with percutaneous (needle) drainage and compression therapy.  Depending on the anatomic area where a seroma manifests and the type of surgery and persistence of a seroma despite needle drainage, a drain may need to be placed.   Hope this helps.

Dr. Basu

Houston, TX

Usually if a seroma develops, it can be treated by aspiration periodically. They usually burn out on their own, but if they do not they can develop a pseudobursa which then requires excision.