Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsPostsurgical SeromasSeroma vs. CystTreatmentsRepeat ProceduresHow Long to Treat
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Postsurgical Seromas
Seroma vs. Cyst
Treatments
Repeat Procedures
How Long to Treat
A seroma is a common postsurgical complication in which fluid accumulates under the skin at the surgical site. Often, people notice a swollen, soft, or squishy area forming a few days after surgery. This buildup of seroma fluid can cause discomfort and sometimes lead to more serious issues if left untreated.
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Seroma After Different Surgeries
Seromas can occur after various surgical procedures, including:
Seromas may appear seven to 10 days after surgery and after removing drainage tubes. Most of the time, seromas absorb back into the body in about 30 days, but sometimes they take up to one year to fully reabsorb.
Causes of Seromas
The exact reasons seromas develop are not fully understood, but some factors are suspected to increase the risk. Surgeries involving significant tissue manipulation or removal increase the risk of seroma formation, such as breast surgeries and large-volume liposuctions. Early or excessive movement postsurgery can disrupt healing and promote fluid buildding to a seroma.
Seroma vs. Cyst Symptoms: How to Tell Them Apart
While both seromas and cysts can present as lumps under the skin, there are distinct differences between the two.
Seroma
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoWillowpix / Getty Images
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Willowpix / Getty Images
A seroma typically forms soon after surgery and is filled with serous fluid (the clear portion of blood), along with lymphatic fluid.
Seromas typically appear as a lump or swelling under the skin close to the surgical incision, and these areas can be tender and sensitive when touched. If you think you might have a seroma, you can gently press on one side of the swollen area and observe for a wavelike motion under the skin, which suggests the presence of fluid.
Cyst
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from © DermNet dermnetnz.org 2023
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet dermnetnz.org 2023
A cyst is a closed sac containing fluid, air, pus, or other substances and may not necessarily be related to a recent surgical procedure.Cysts are round lumps just beneath the skin. They sometimes have a small, dark spot in the middle and can grow from 1-2 centimeters to several centimeters. They are slow-growing.
Two types of cysts that commonly form under the skin are epidermoid and sebaceous cysts, both appearing as smooth, flesh-colored, or whitish-yellow lumps. Epidermoid cysts develop from surface skin cells that move deeper into the skin, while sebaceous cysts form when oily gland secretions become trapped, creating a pouch filled with a thick substance.
Common locations for skin cysts include:
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
It’s crucial to monitor the seroma for signs of infection or complications. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
It is uncommon for seromas to become infected; however, it can happen. Contact your provider right away if you feel ill, have a fever, or have any symptoms of infection, such as pain or oozing at the site. Antibiotics are typically prescribed for the infection.
Treatments to Reabsorb Seroma Fluid
Seromas can vary in severity and may sometimes resolve on their own. Small seromas that do not hinder the healing process typically do not require medical intervention as the body can naturally absorb the fluid over time. However, for larger or problematic seromas, various treatments can facilitate fluid reabsorption and alleviate discomfort.
For minor seromas, patients can take several self-care measures to support healing and fluid reabsorption:
Needle Aspiration
When a seroma is more severe, needle aspiration might be necessary. This procedure involves using a needle to withdraw the fluid from the seroma. Needle aspiration is recommended in the following cases:
Recurrence and Minor Surgical Procedures
In some cases, seromas may refill after needle aspiration. Repeated aspirations can increase the risk of infection, so your surgeon may recommend a minor surgical procedure to remove the seroma more definitively. This approach aims to reduce the risk of infection and ensure a more permanent solution.
Having Repeat Drains and Procedures
Sclerotherapy
How Long Does Seroma Take to Treat?
The time it takes to treat a seroma varies depending on the size and persistence of the fluid accumulation. In many cases, seromas resolve within a few weeks with appropriate management. However, some seromas may take several months to a year to fully reabsorb.
Summary
Treatments include compression garments, needle aspiration, drain placement, and sclerotherapy. Recurrent seromas may require repeated interventions, and following postoperative care instructions is crucial to minimize the risk of recurrence. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for seromas can help patients achieve the best possible outcome in their recovery.
9 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Radiopedia.Seroma.Osmosis. org.Seroma - What is it, causes, treatment, and more.BreastCancer.org.Seroma (fluid build up).American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.Do I have a seroma? Here’s how you can tell.MedlinePlus.Cyst.NHS.Skin cysts.Harvard Health Publishing.Cysts (overview).Janis JE, Khansa L, Khansa I.Strategies for postoperative seroma prevention: A systematic review.Plast Reconstr Surg. 2016;138(1):240-252. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000002245Sood A, Kotamarti VS, Therattil PJ, Lee ES.Sclerotherapy for the management of seromas: A systematic review.Eplasty. 2017;17:e25.
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Radiopedia.Seroma.Osmosis. org.Seroma - What is it, causes, treatment, and more.BreastCancer.org.Seroma (fluid build up).American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.Do I have a seroma? Here’s how you can tell.MedlinePlus.Cyst.NHS.Skin cysts.Harvard Health Publishing.Cysts (overview).Janis JE, Khansa L, Khansa I.Strategies for postoperative seroma prevention: A systematic review.Plast Reconstr Surg. 2016;138(1):240-252. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000002245Sood A, Kotamarti VS, Therattil PJ, Lee ES.Sclerotherapy for the management of seromas: A systematic review.Eplasty. 2017;17:e25.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Radiopedia.Seroma.Osmosis. org.Seroma - What is it, causes, treatment, and more.BreastCancer.org.Seroma (fluid build up).American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.Do I have a seroma? Here’s how you can tell.MedlinePlus.Cyst.NHS.Skin cysts.Harvard Health Publishing.Cysts (overview).Janis JE, Khansa L, Khansa I.Strategies for postoperative seroma prevention: A systematic review.Plast Reconstr Surg. 2016;138(1):240-252. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000002245Sood A, Kotamarti VS, Therattil PJ, Lee ES.Sclerotherapy for the management of seromas: A systematic review.Eplasty. 2017;17:e25.
Radiopedia.Seroma.
Osmosis. org.Seroma - What is it, causes, treatment, and more.
BreastCancer.org.Seroma (fluid build up).
American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.Do I have a seroma? Here’s how you can tell.
MedlinePlus.Cyst.
NHS.Skin cysts.
Harvard Health Publishing.Cysts (overview).
Janis JE, Khansa L, Khansa I.Strategies for postoperative seroma prevention: A systematic review.Plast Reconstr Surg. 2016;138(1):240-252. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000002245
Sood A, Kotamarti VS, Therattil PJ, Lee ES.Sclerotherapy for the management of seromas: A systematic review.Eplasty. 2017;17:e25.
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