seroma with thick gel inside

hi everyone, i am 5 weeks out of breast reconstruction. right side had to do the lat dorsi flap. the drain was removed 25 days after surgery. fluid started to fill up under incision site on my back. dr. drained it but very little came out. she ordered ultrasound with aspiration... they barely got any out, but what did was thick clear gel-like and hard to get out. i now have 2 choices.... another surgery to clean out the seroma or i can wait and see if it will eventually break down by itself. has anyone had any experience with this issue?


This discussion is related to seroma.

[japdip]

If this seroma isn't causing you any problems such as pain, etc. I would try just leaving it alone for a few weeks. It may take a considerable amount of time for the fluid / gel to be absorbed but in my opinion since this is an option that has been given you by your Dr.s it would be the safer choice. A seroma only forms when there is space for the fluid to accumulate. If the space is now filled I would think there would be no additional material produced. You might get a second opinion from another Plastic Surgeon if you are having doubts as to the best choice.  Regards ....

[SueYoung55]

I agree totally with japdip. Leave it be unless something drastic changes. Seroma's  take time. Give your body the time it needs. :) Best wishes and let us know how you're doing.

[lynner040]

hello again, doctor called yesterday. it is not a seroma. my implant slipped through a small space into my lower back and now has to be surgically removed and a new one replaced. my journey has been filled with problem after problem. i am ready to have my life back. surgery is 7/25/11. hopefully only 2 weeks recovering. thanks for the well wishes.

[japdip]

Well, you just never know, do you ??? Nothing is out of the realm of possibility. Take care and thanks for the update !!