Do seromas disappear by themselves?

Depending on the size of the seroma, it would either resolve on its own or require drainage.  It would require an examination to determine.

The progression, persistence and/or resolution of seroma would
depend upon several factors -- the cause of the seroma, the timing with which
it has occurred in relation to a surgical or traumatic event, the anatomic
location of the seroma, the amount of movement in the area, if a foreign
body is present (ex: breast implant), and the size (volume) of the seroma.



Surgeons often use drains to help reduce the occurrence of a seroma
post-operatively. Drains help reduce seroma formation, but do not eliminate it;
although uncommon, seromas may still form after drain removal. Small volume
seromas may be more likely to resolve spontaneously compared with larger volume
fluid collections. Seromas after liposuction are uncommon. Larger volume fluid
collections that occur following liposuction, gynecomastia excision, and tummy
tuck will likely require aspiration; and poor compression and movement of
tissue layers may aggravate the persistence of a seroma. Very small seromas
following breast augmentation are likely to resolve spontaneously. However,
larger volume fluid collections (and especially hematomas) following breast
augmentation will require treatment to reduce the risk of capsular
contracture.



If you have a fluid collection that you are concerned about,
it is best to bring it to the attention of your doctor. He or she may
elect to perform serial aspirations in the office every couple days to achieve
proper healing. Best wishes.

Overtime most seromas will spontaneously resolve but this may take many months and will leave areas of hardness that may take years to soften. They are best dealt with by serial aspiration in the office.