What Is a Seroma?

A seroma is a pocket of fluid that can form under the skin after surgery or an injury. It develops when lymphatic vessels are disrupted during a procedure, allowing fluid to collect in nearby tissues instead of draining naturally.

The fluid inside a seroma isn’t always clear. In the early stages, it may appear pink, red, or brownish if mixed with blood or tissue waste. As the body heals, it often becomes lighter and more transparent, typically pale yellow or straw-coloured.

Seromas usually appear within one to two weeks after surgery, especially after drains are removed. However, they can also develop weeks or even months later, depending on healing speed, fluid retention, or pressure at the surgical site.

Signs and Symptoms of a Seroma

Common indicators of a seroma include:

• A soft or firm lump near the surgical area.
• A sloshing or fluid movement sensation under the skin.
• Tenderness, pressure, or mild pain.
• A visible bulge that may shift slightly when moving.

If the area becomes red, hot, painful, or starts to leak fluid, it may indicate infection or another complication and should be assessed promptly.

Is a Seroma Dangerous?

Most small seromas are harmless and resolve naturally as the body reabsorbs the fluid. However, large or persistent seromas may cause:

• Infection
• Delayed wound healing
• Fibrosis (hardening of tissue)

If swelling increases or symptoms worsen, contact your healthcare provider for assessment and possible drainage.

Treatment Options for Seromas

Treatment depends on the size and severity of the seroma. In many cases, the body can reabsorb the fluid naturally, but some require medical intervention. Treating a seroma may include:

• Observation:
  Small seromas often resolve on their own as the body gradually reabsorbs the fluid.
• Drainage:
  Larger or recurring seromas may need to be aspirated (drained) by a qualified medical professional using sterile techniques.
  In severe or persistent cases, a temporary drain may need to be reinserted to allow continuous fluid removal and prevent pressure buildup.
• Compression:
  Properly fitted compression garments help reduce swelling and limit further fluid accumulation.
• Follow-up care:
  Regular monitoring ensures the seroma has resolved completely and helps detect any signs of recurrence early.

 Aftercare Tips to Prevent Seroma Formation

To reduce the risk of seromas after surgery:

• Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity until cleared by your clinician.
• Keep the area clean and dry.
• Wear compression garments as directed , they help reduce swelling and support healing.
• Stay hydrated and follow your post-surgery care plan.
• Report any increased pain, swelling, or fluid discharge to your healthcare provider.

Flying Too Soon After Surgery Can Increase Seroma Risk

Flying shortly after surgery can increase the chance of developing seromas. Cabin pressure and prolonged sitting reduce circulation and promote fluid retention.

To protect your recovery:

• Avoid flying for at least 3 weeks after surgery unless cleared by your surgeon.
• Move your legs and stay hydrated during flights.
• Follow all compression and aftercare instructions.

Clinical observations show that many patients who had surgery abroad (e.g., in Turkey) and flew home within 2–3 weeks later developed seromas — even if they had no fluid buildup before flying. Those who waited longer or had local surgery (e.g., in the UK) experienced fewer complications and smoother healing.

Can Seromas Lead to Fibrosis?

Yes, untreated seromas can cause prolonged inflammation, leading to fibrosis (a buildup of hardened or thickened tissue). This may make the area feel firm, tight, or uneven and affect the contour or mobility of the tissue.

Proper management-such as drainage, compression, and gentle tissue therapy -helps prevent fibrosis and supports a smoother recovery.

Seroma after surgery:A final word

A seroma after surgery is not a normal part of healing, but a common side effect of surgery when more fluid is produced than the lymphatic system can drain. While most cases resolve on their own, early recognition and care help prevent infection, fibrosis, or delayed recovery.

By understanding the causes of seromas, and by avoiding early air travel and following post-surgical aftercare, patients can achieve a safer, faster, and smoother recovery.

If you have questions or would like to book your post-surgery session, contact us today! We’re always glad 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/

Seromas after surgery: Prevention and Treatment

The post Understanding Seromas After Surgery: Causes, Symptoms and Prevention appeared first on Perea Clinic.

Lipoedema is a chronic condition characterised by the abnormal accumulation of fat in specific areas of the body, primarily the legs, hips, buttocks and, in some cases, arms. This condition predominantly affects women and is often accompanied by pain, bruising, and swelling. As chronic inflammation is the main cause or risk factor for many long-term conditions, nowadays. So, it is key to change our habits where proper nutrition (anti-inflammatory) can play a vital role in managing symptoms, improving quality of life, and avoiding the progression of chronic conditions like lipoedema.

Why start an anti-inflammatory diet for lipoedema?

Essentially, lipoedema has demonstrated an autoimmune response at the adipose tissue level. This excessive immune response is caused by repeated exposure to endogenous (inside) or exogenous (outside) stress factors, resulting in chronic low-grade inflammation with negative effects on adipose tissue. For that reason, it is pivotal to incorporate anti-inflammatory products, food and routines to our daily habits, while eliminating those that increase inflammation.

The Role of Nutrition in Lipoedema Management

1. Reducing Inflammation: Many foods have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling and discomfort associated with lipoedema. Diets rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and lean proteins are particularly beneficial.
2. Managing Weight: Although weight loss alone does not resolve lipoedema fat tissue, maintaining a healthy weight can alleviate additional strain on joints and reduce symptoms such as pain and fatigue while slowering fat build up. Combining dietary changes with exercise further supports this goal.
3. Improving Blood Sugar Regulation: Stable blood sugar levels are crucial for minimising fat storage and inflammation. Avoiding high-glycemic foods like refined sugars and white flour products is crucial.

Best Diets for Lipoedema

Several dietary approaches have been shown to improve lipoedema symptoms, some of them are:

Mediterranean Diet

• Focuses on fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, olive oil, and nuts.
• Known for its anti-inflammatory benefits and ability to stabilise blood sugar levels.
• Reduces inflammation while promoting cardiovascular health.
• It´s the diet used in blue zones where people are healthier and prone to live longer.

Ketogenic Diet

• A low-carb, high-fat (good fats) diet that induces ketosis, encouraging the body to use fat as its primary energy source.
• Helps reduce inflammation and improve pain management.
• Supports gradual weight loss in some patients.
• Always ask a nutritionist to introduce and monitor this type of diet.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

• Emphasises foods like fatty fish (e.g., salmon), leafy greens (e.g., spinach), berries (e.g., blueberries), nuts, seeds, and herbs like turmeric and ginger.
• Avoids pro-inflammatory foods such as processed snacks, sugary drinks, and alcohol.

Practical Dietary Tips

Here are a few tips to optimise your nutrition program for lipoedema management.

• Consume Fresh Products: Include a variety of fresh vegetables like broccoli and zucchini, green leaves, etc. However, limiting high-sugar fruits such as bananas or grapes; instead, you can eat all types of berries and low fructose products.
• Choose Healthy Fats (rich in Omega3): Incorporate sources like avocado, olive oil, nuts, and seeds while avoiding trans fats found in processed foods.
• Reduce Salt Intake: Excess salt can lead to water retention in tissues; instead, you can opt for low-sodium alternatives.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink at least two liters of water daily to support lymphatic function.
• Avoid Blood Sugar Spikes: Avoid consumption of refined/processed products.
• Exercise Regularly: Pair dietary changes with physical activity to enhance mobility and manage stress.

A final word

When you change your eating habits to a tailored nutritional approach combined with lifestyle modifications such as exercise and stress management, you, as a lipoedema patient, will experience significant improvements in your symptoms and overall well-being.

We hope this information is useful for you. If you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find us in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. We are always happy to help. If you like this blog, please share!

References:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9194022/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9710418/

https://www.lymphapress.com/blog/lipedema-diet-and-inflammation-tips-you-need-to-know/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10748777/

https://lipedema.net/nutritious-eating-to-reduce-lipedema/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306987720333260

The post The Role of Nutrition and Anti-inflammatory Diets for Lipoedema appeared first on Perea Clinic.