What Are the Signs of a Seroma? (photo)

Your swelling will progressively improve over time. Initially your body will respond to surgery with swelling as it begins to heal. As your bodies healing process advances the swelling in the operative site decreases. What you may notice is that the swelling will vary according to the level of activity of the patient. Throughout your recovery your surgeon will most likely ask that you wear a compression garment which will help in minimizing the swelling and help you during the healing process.

If a seroma is present this can be discerned by a finding known as a fluid wave under the skin in the area of concern. Once the diagnosis of seroma is confirmed, it should be drained. This is typically done in the office by inserting a needle or catheter to drain the fluid and then reapplying the compression garment. The patient should then be reassessed to insure that  the fluid has not re-accumulated.

Your first step should be to return to your plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns and have an in-person evaluation so as to determine the best course of action. Thank you for the question and picture.

Good luck.

Thanks for your question and photo.  Based on your picture, it does look like you have a seroma on your wer abdomen.  Make sure you follow up with your surgeon as this may need to be drained; sometimes a small catheter may be re-introduced called a seroma cath to continuously drain the fluid.  Also make sure you wear your garment and binder all the time until the swelling resolves.