You've survived breast surgery! It's been the first few days, and you have not yet done anything. The incision seems to be healing. After a shower or when dressing, you see a bulge around the surgical site. This was not present previously. This is the time when many people begin to realize they have a seroma. The word is the most alarming of all. It can be concerning, too, the swelling. You don't want to have to deal with any more issues now that you've already had so much to deal with. The upside is that seroma is fairly common following breast surgery and can be treated successfully in most instances.
When healing leaves a space behind
Breast surgery alters the skin tissues under the skin. After lumpectomy, mastectomy, reconstruction, or removal of the lymph nodes, there is often a small area where there is no tissue. As the body starts to heal, clear fluid may accumulate in that area. Imagine that water collects in a little hollow. The fluid is trapped and accumulates under the skin. That's a seroma. Others may get one day after surgery. Others see it weeks later.
How does a seroma feel?
Each individual's experience is a bit different. Some refer to it as a soft mass. Others say it feels like a water balloon under the skin. Feel pressure or bloating around the scar.
Common signs include:
A soft swelling close to the surgical site
Limited range of motion of your arm
A sensation that the liquid is moving under the skin.
One side appears more swollen than the previous one
A seroma typically does not cause pain, but larger seromas can be uncomfortable.
Did I do something wrong?"
This is a very common patient question. Usually, no. Having a seroma doesn't necessarily indicate a surgical complication during recovery. Sometimes, no matter how precisely a person does everything, a fluid will accumulate. Occurs even if the cut seems healthy and healing seems to be underway.
A pain tolerance meter is located at the rear of the wall. At the back of the wall, there is a pain tolerance meter. When you discover a bump, it's only natural to want it to vanish right away.
However, small seromas can heal on their own. The body can absorb the fluid slowly over time. This can take a few weeks.
If the swelling gets bigger, hurts, or keeps increasing, your doctor may need to drain fluid from the space using a needle. The process is typically rapid and done in a clinic. In some cases, the fluid will come back and must be drained more than once.
When does a seroma require closer inspection?
A seroma, in and of itself, is generally not harmful; however, any changes in the area should never be overlooked. If you see any of the following, you should seek medical attention:
Increasing redness
Fever
Warm around the hole of the surgery
Worsening pain
Pus-like drainage
Rapidly increasing swelling
These symptoms can indicate that someone is suffering from an infection or some other problem requiring medical treatment.
One more bump in the road
Getting better from breast surgery doesn't always go as planned. Sometimes all seems well, and then you get a new concern. One of these pleasant things that many people do not realize they will experience until it occurs to them is a seroma. If you've seen new swelling, do not waste days wondering if it is normal. Discuss it with your doctor. Sometimes it's just a matter of reassuring. The fluid should sometimes be given the attention it deserves.
Either way, having some answers early on will save you needless anxiety and allow you to concentrate on the positive: that you are continuing to get better and gain confidence in your recovery.