How to Prevent and Treat Seromas After Surgery
Cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries have become increasingly common in the UK over the past decade. While these procedures can enhance confidence and improve physical appearance, they also come with postoperative risks—one of the most frequent being seroma formation. Understanding what seromas are, why they occur, and how to prevent and manage them can significantly improve your recovery experience.
What Is a Seroma?
A seroma is a pocket of fluid that can build up under the skin after surgery or an injury. It happens when tiny lymph vessels are disturbed during the procedure, causing clear fluid (called lymph) to collect in the area instead of draining naturally.
Sometimes the fluid isn’t completely clear, it may be mixed with a little blood or waste from the healing tissues, which can make it look yellow, pink, or even slightly red.
Seromas usually appear a week or two after surgery, often once any drainage tubes have been removed. They can feel like a soft or firm lump under the skin. Small seromas often go away on their own as the body reabsorbs the fluid, but larger ones may need to be checked or drained to prevent infection or slow healing.
Why Do Seromas Occur?
Seromas typically develop after extensive surgical procedures involving tissue removal, dissection, or disruption of lymphatic channels. Cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries with a higher risk include:
- Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
- Liposuction or Body Contouring Procedures
- Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)
- Breast Augmentation or Reduction
- Mastectomy or Breast Reconstruction
Risk factors include:
- obesity,
- large surgical areas,
- inadequate compression,
- early vigorous movement after surgery.
- flights
How to Prevent Seromas
Preventing seromas begins in the operating room and continues throughout your recovery:
- Surgical Drains:
Your surgeon may place small drainage tubes near the incision site to prevent fluid buildup. These are typically kept in place for several days post-surgery. - Compression Garments:
Wearing a properly fitted compression garment helps minimize space where fluid can accumulate and supports lymphatic return. - Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD):
Early initiation of Manual Lymphatic Drainage, performed by a certified therapist who treats you better, can greatly assist in preventing seroma formation. MLD uses gentle, rhythmic movements to stimulate lymph flow, reduce swelling, and support tissue healing.
Recent evidence (2023–2024) supports MLD as an effective adjunct therapy in postoperative recovery, particularly for patients undergoing abdominoplasty and liposuction (Leduc et al., J Clin Med, 2023). - Avoiding Strain:
Follow your surgeon’s activity recommendations. Overexertion can increase fluid production and delay healing.
Treating Seromas Naturally and Medically
Small seromas often resolve spontaneously within a few weeks as the body reabsorbs the fluid. To aid natural healing:
- Continue MLD sessions as advised by your therapist.
- Maintain adequate hydration and nutrition, as both support tissue repair and lymphatic health.
- Use compression garments as directed.
In some cases, your healthcare provider may need to aspirate (drain) the seroma using a sterile needle. Persistent or encapsulated seromas may require minor surgical removal.
Seromas after surgery:When to Seek Medical Help?
While most seromas are benign, medical evaluation is essential if you experience any signs of infection or complications. Contact your surgeon immediately if:
- You develop a fever or feel unwell.
- The area becomes red, warm, painful, or tender.
- Fluid accumulation increases rather than decreases.
- The seroma does not improve after several weeks.
- You notice hardening or pressure around the surgical area.
If infection occurs, the seroma may evolve into an abscess, requiring medical drainage and antibiotics.
A final word
Seromas are a common but manageable side effect of cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries. With proper surgical care, early manual lymphatic drainage, and vigilant postoperative management, the risk and impact of seromas can be significantly reduced. Always consult your surgeon and a certified lymphatic drainage therapist to ensure your recovery is safe and effective.
If you have questions or would like to book your post-surgery MLD session, contact us today! We’re always happy to help. You can find us in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. If you found this article useful, please share it with others who may be starting their recovery journey.
References:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4347361/
Fibrosis After Cosmetic Surgery:Why MLD Isn’t Enough
Benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage MLD
