Post breast surgery SEROMA
A seroma is a build-up of bodily fluids where tissue has been removed during surgery .
Seromas can be clear fluid, light to dark yellowish fluid, light bloodstained or blood-stained fluid
Seromas commonly happen after surgery to the breasts eg lumpectomy, mastectomy or axillary surgery
For surgery with larger cavity like a total mastectomy, a silicon drainage tube is placed within the cavity to allow for drainage to occur. Seroma drainage can take between 1 week to 2 weeks to slowly reduce.
Some seromas, if minimal to moderate, can naturally reabsorbed back into your body over weeks to months and will not affect healing.
However, if some seroma accumulate to increase in size to become uncomfortable or uneasy, your doctor will drain the seroma using a small needle and syringe.
Seromas can become infected if neglected, hence, if there are signs of infection such as redness, warmth, tenderness and swelling, please inform your doctor.
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