When Does Fluid Build-up After Liposuction Begin to Subside?

Thank you for your question regarding fluid build-up after liposuction, specifically concerning your experience with your upper arms.

Fluid accumulation post-liposuction, known as a seroma, is relatively common and can occur as part of the body's natural response to the trauma of surgery. While it is more typical in areas where large amounts of fat have been removed, it can certainly occur in the arms as well.

The duration for which fluid build-up subsides can vary depending on several factors, including the extent of the liposuction, the area treated, your body's healing response, and how effectively the fluid is being managed post-operatively. Typically, most patients see a significant reduction in fluid accumulation within the first few weeks after surgery, but it can sometimes take longer.

Since you are already three weeks post-operation and have required several drainages, it sounds like your body is still actively managing the healing process. It is not uncommon for some patients to need more time to resolve these issues, especially if a significant amount of fat was removed.

Here are a few suggestions to help manage and reduce fluid build-up:

Continue wearing compression garments: These help reduce swelling and encourage the body to absorb fluids more efficiently.
Follow up regularly with your surgeon: They might need to perform additional drainages if the fluid persists.
Maintain a healthy diet and stay hydrated: Good nutrition and hydration are crucial for optimal healing.
Gentle exercise: As approved by your surgeon, light activities can help improve circulation and fluid dynamics.
It’s important to keep in close communication with your plastic surgeon, as they can provide the most appropriate care and interventions if the fluid build-up continues or if there are any concerns about the healing process.

Fluid build-up is a normal response for some people after liposuction, and with proper management, it typically resolves over time. If you have ongoing concerns or if the situation doesn't improve, be sure to discuss them with your plastic surgeon.

Sincerely,

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

I have seen only one seroma after liposuction and it was in a very large gentleman with 4 Liter fat removal from the abdomen. The amount of "dead space" left after the removal of the fat contributed to the development of the seroma I am sure. This resolved with conservative therapy (time, pressure garment, decreased activity). This was very small and didn't even require drainage. It sounds as if yours is large enough to have required drainage. This may need to be drained a few more times and possibly would even benefit from a sclerosant injected into the cavity after aspiration. Seromas are frustrating but they tend to improve once the balance of fluid removal by lymphatics is as quick as fluid creation by your healing tissues.

It seems as if certain modalities have a higher propensity to develop seromas or fluid buildup. For example, it is more common after ultrasonic liposuction. Did you have this?
It also is more common after aggressive liposuction where an extensive cavity with raw surfaces are left.
Typically, they resolve over time. It is difficult to predict how much time but commonly you will see a drop off in the amount that is drawn off. However it may take a few weeks or even a few months.
There is not consistent method to treat other than ongoing aspirations. Other methods have been used with mixed success such as opening and closing the cavity, drain placement, instillation of a sclerosing agent quitling sutures, etc.
As you have been advised, avoid tight garments that gather and create a tourniquet effect.

Hi there,
I agree with the other surgeons that this is a problem very rarely seen. I have never had this happen in a very large number of arm cases. The important points are to maintain a constant and firm compression of the area, in conjunction with your surgeon's drainage procedures. I have also had success with use of percutaneously placed indwelling drains (drain tubes your doctor can put in in the office). The problem should take care of itself over time and your outcome should still be favorable.

Liposuction is a safe, popular, and effective way to contour the body. Patients undergoing this procedure should understand that there is a recovery process. In our practice, we inform our patients that they should expect to have a small amount of pink fluid drained from their liposuction incisions for several days after the surgery. This is completely normal. We also encourage our patients to use the special compression garment that we provide for them that has been specifically designed to apply circumferential pressure to the area that has been treated. This will help decrease and manage the swelling that always happens after liposuction and will provide support which will increase their comfort.