Can seroma be life threatening?
Left untreated, a seroma can result in serious, even life-threatening complications. You can play an active role in minimizing your risk of serious complications by following the treatment plan you and your health care provider design specifically for you. Complications of seroma include: Abscess formation.
How do you get rid of a seroma after a tummy tuck?
Options for treating seromas include needle aspiration, sclerotherapy, placement of a seroma catheter and excision of the seroma cavity. Few studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of each approach in treating seromas in post-abdominoplasty patients.
How do you tell if a seroma is infected?
However, seek emergency medical attention f you experience any of the following symptoms:
- white or very bloody drainage from the seroma.
- a fever that exceeds 100.4°F.
- increasing redness around the seroma.
- rapidly increasing swelling.
- increasing pain.
- warm skin on or around the seroma.
- rapid heart rate.
Should I get my seroma drained?
Seromas do not always need to be drained. If they do need to be drained, then this can be done in clinic. Repeated seroma drainage can encourage the seroma to refill and as the procedure carries a small risk of infection it should not be done unless the seroma is causing problems.
What does an infected seroma look like?
In many cases, a seroma will have the appearance of a swollen lump, like a large cyst. It may also be tender or sore when touched. A clear discharge from the surgical incision is common when a seroma is present. You may have an infection if the discharge becomes bloody, changes color, or develops an odor.
Should you compress a seroma?
Patients are recommended to wear compression garments for at least 2 weeks after surgery and to massage the area gently to help move the fluid out.
Is heat good for a seroma?
The fluid will be reabsorbed into the blood stream faster and the increased blood flow will bring oxygen and nutrients to the newly forming tissue. Heat is an excellent way to increase circulation to an area. Hot packing a seroma is a simple, inexpensive, and very effective way to medically manage a seroma.
How can I help my body absorb a seroma?
Your body can absorb fluid from a small seroma. But it may take about a month to go away….To help get rid of your seroma, a doctor or nurse may:
- Drain the fluid with a needle and syringe.
- Drain it more than once.
- Put pressure on the swollen area.
- Give you a shot to collapse and seal the empty space (sclerotherapy)