Seroma

After breast surgery, some people develop fluid in the area where tissue has been removed. This is called a seroma.

Usually seromas do not need treatment. They often disappear by themselves over time as the body reabsorbs the fluid. In some cases, a doctor or specially trained nurse may need to remove the fluid.

Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about any swelling that appears after surgery.

What is a seroma

A seroma is clear or slightly yellow fluid. Seromas can build up after lumpectomy, mastectomy or removal of lymph nodes. They appear most often 7 to 10 days after surgery. Seromas can also happen after any drain tubes are removed.

A seroma can feel like a soft, swollen lump, as if you have liquid under your skin. It may or may not hurt to touch.

Depending on where your surgery was, a seroma can occur in the breast, chest wall or under the arm. It can also appear in the tummy (‘abdominal’) area if tissue has been removed to use in a breast reconstruction.

An ultrasound can identify the exact location and the volume of fluid.

How to manage seromas

Usually seromas are left alone, untreated. The fluid generally reabsorbs back into the body within about a month. In some cases, it takes longer.

Tell your surgeon or breast care nurse if:

• you have any pain or discomfort from the seroma, especially if this limits your movement
• the swelling of the seroma is increasing (this may also be a sign of lymphoedema)
• the seroma restricts your arm movement
• the seroma puts pressure on the wound area or surgical scar, as this can prevent the wound from healing
• you notice any signs of infection, such as redness or warmth.

About seroma removal

If the seroma needs treatment (‘aspiration’), this can be done by a doctor or specially trained nurse.

They will clean the area and use a fine sterile needle and syringe to remove the fluid. The procedure is usually painless as often the area is numb.

Sometimes a seroma fills up again. It may need aspiration several times before it goes away completely.

Look for signs of infection

If the skin over the seroma becomes red, warm to touch, or there is increasing pain, you may have an infection.

Tell your doctor or nurse. They can take a small amount of fluid from the seroma and send it for testing.

The risk of infection can increase if you have a seroma drained multiple times.

If you have an infection, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics.