Is it possible to have seroma 1 month post-op, and is it ok to leave alone or does it have to be drained?

Question

I had drains after explant and hardly any fluid came out (capsules left in place). All was good until i went to the gym at about 5 weeks post-op (dr. ok'd). Now my left breast is hard underneath and it feels like the capsule is filling back up. Is this ok to leave alone or should I have it removed? I just had my check-up and this happened a week later. The breast is slightly larger than it was but otherwise you cannot tell anything is wrong visually, but it feels hard underneath. Thank you.

Marc DuPéré, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.Yes it is best to have it drained or at least see your plastic surgeon.  Could be a seroma, could be a small hematoma (bleeding) brought in by exercising.  Undrained hematomas or seromas can "organize" themselves with scarring tissues over time and you might be left with a larger breast.  Also, leaving the capsule in place makes this a bit more likely.Hope this helps!Dr. Marc DuPere, aesthetic plastic surgeon

Marc Klein, MD · Answer

You should definitely schedule a follow up with your physician to assess why you feel the firmness you describe.    If you do in fact have a serum, it would be prudent to drain it.    First, because any fluid left may hinder the your breast from contracting a bit, and two, the fluid may increase your risk of an infection.  If there is fluid, it is very simple to drain.

Genevieve F. Caron, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.Some small seroma can be left alone and will resorbe by themself, however I recommend you follow up with your plastic surgeon.A ultrasound can be usfull to dertermine the amount of liquide.Best Wishes
Dr Genevieve FCaron, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Montreal, Canada

Khashayar Mohebali, MD, FACS · Answer

You should probably go back to see your surgeon. Eventhought it is fine to leave a seroma alone, you need to have them check to make sure it is not something else and doesn't keep getting bigger. I usually like to drain them to help resolve the issue faster and get you back to being active again.

Julie Khanna, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Hi and thank you for your question and description.  You can develop a seroma several weeks after surgery and with any new occurrence or symptom that is untoward, you should check in with your surgeon.  This can generally be dealt with in office so it's best to have your progress tracked as you continue to heal.  Best of Luck, Dr. K.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

You can develop a seroma one month post op.  I encourage you to contact your surgeon for an appointment.  An examination is needed to determine the cause of the swelling, and if there is fluid build up, how it should be treated.  Aspiration can be done in the office in most cases.

Is it possible to have seroma 1 month post-op, and is it ok to leave alone or does it have to be drained?

Answers (6)