One potential post-plastic surgery complications is a seroma. Though most are small and do not pose any serious risk to the patient, there are some that may develop into a serious problem if the right treatment steps are not taken. A seroma is the collection of fluid under the skin. In many plastic surgery procedures, a part of the patient's skin is lifted away from the other tissue, or tissue is removed from the patient's skin, creating a pocket where fluids can collect.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of seromas are swelling and inflammation in the body. Some patients can feel or see the collection of fluids. Noticeable seromas are most likely after procedures like liposuction and tummy tucks, as a large amount of tissue can be removed during either of these two procedures. There may be a feeling of pressure, or the skin may seem to be raised unnaturally. The collection of fluids itself can be noticeable, especially around an incision, if they incision seems to leak the fluids. The fluid itself will be clear and colorless, though may have a reddish hue at some points.

Causes

During a procedure like a tummy tuck or liposuction, large pieces of tissue are removed from the body. This leaves a large negative space in the body, which, until it heals, is vulnerable to the collection of fluid. The fluid is sent to this area in order to prevent infection. The fluid leaks out of the damaged lymphatic cells and blood vessels around the incision and procedure sites, which drain into the empty space that is left behind after the surgery.

Prevention

Prevention is always better than treatment, though in some cases, it is impossible to prevent a seroma. A patient should follow the doctor's post-operative instructions exactly, and should alert the surgeon immediately if these areas show signs of seroma, do not appear to drain themselves, or if they begin to become calcified and hard. Proper nutrition and rest, as well as elevating the surgery area, can allow not only for better healing, and therefore less leakage, but also for proper draining of the site. The use of a compression garment and drains can also minimize the risk of seroma after plastic surgery.

Treatment

Most seromas go away on their own. Once the fluid drains into the pocket, it will eventually drain away, as the area continues to heal. Most seromas are small and surgeons will generally let them drain themselves, instead of attempting to do any draining. However, some larger seromas, and seromas that do not seem to be going away on their own, may need draining. The surgeon will either have the patient come into the office where the surgeon can extract the fluid with a syringe, or install a drain with a bulb so that the fluid can drain. In very rare cases, the patient may need to have surgery to have a large, calcified seroma removed or need antibiotics to fight one that has become infected.

Contact Paul Pin, MD, to schedule an appointment.