Post-Surgical Seroma

A seroma is a sterile collection of fluid under the skin, usually at the site of a surgical incision. Fluid builds up under the skin where tissue was removed. It may form soon after your surgery. Or it may form up to about 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. It may look like a swollen lump and feel tender or sore.

A small seroma isn't dangerous. Depending on its size and symptoms, it may not need to be treated. The seroma may go away on its own in a few weeks or months. Your body slowly absorbs the fluid. No medicine will make it go away faster. But if you have a large seroma or if it's causing pain, your health care provider may drain it. This is done with a syringe and needle. Or the provider may put in a drain. Seromas can return and may need to be drained multiple times. In some cases, it can become infected or turn into an abscess. In rare cases, you may need a minor procedure to remove the seroma. Long-term problems from a seroma are rare.