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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nWhile the exact cause is unclear, seromas seem to form as a response to the dead space within the tissue that was removed during surgery. They are often seen after certain types of surgeries to treat breast cancer, but they can develop after other surgical procedures as well, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Plastic or cosmetic surgery<\/a><\/li>
- Plastic reconstructive surgery<\/li>
- Breast implants or reduction<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
You may be at a higher risk of developing a seroma after surgery if you are older or take any blood-thinning medications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Seromas tend to develop about a week after surgery. The area around the removed tissue may develop lumps that are swollen, and it can feel like there is liquid under the skin. These lumps are filled with a yellowish-white fluid called serous fluid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Home Treatments that can Help Heal Seromas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Your surgeon will do their best to perform surgery in a way that reduces the risk of seromas, but they can still occur. Most will be reabsorbed into the body and heal naturally<\/a>. This usually happens within a month but can take up to a year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are a few things you can do to try and prevent and\/or treat your seromas at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Follow your surgeon\u2019s recovery advice. They will likely tell you to take it easy. Avoid any strenuous activity like workouts at Hampton Family YMCA<\/a>.<\/li>
- Clean the area as directed. Preventing infections will reduce the risk of developing seromas.<\/li>
- If a seroma or seromas do develop, you can apply heat to the area for 15 minutes every few hours. This can help the seroma drain and ease discomfort.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
When to Seek Medical Help<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If your seroma does not improve on its own or starts to get worse, you should contact your medical professional. It\u2019s possible they may need to drain the seroma or treat it with antibiotics if an infection has developed. Some signs you should call your doctor include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- The seroma has gotten bigger or hasn\u2019t improved in the expected timeframe<\/li>
- The amount of fluid is increasing<\/li>
- It\u2019s painful or tender<\/li>
- There are signs of infection like redness and\/or warmth<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Remember that seromas are usually harmless and heal on their own. If you have any questions or concerns or wish to schedule an appointment,<\/a> call Hampton Roads ENT today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n