What Does a Seroma Look and Feel Like?

Plastic surgery can achieve transformative results, but the healing process is just as important as the procedure itself. One common post-surgical issue that patients may experience is a seroma - a collection of fluid that builds up beneath the skin at or near the surgical site.

Seromas are not unusual after procedures such as breast lifts, tummy tucks, liposuction and facelifts. While they often resolve on their own, they can sometimes cause discomfort, delay healing or even lead to infection if not properly managed.

What does a seroma look and feel? We outline how to identify a seroma in this guide, along with when to seek medical advice. We also explore cases where poor surgical technique or inadequate aftercare could lead to complications that might justify a cosmetic surgery negligence claim.

How common are seromas after plastic surgery?

Seroma formation is a common occurrence following plastic surgery, particularly procedures that involve the removal or repositioning of tissue. When tissue is disrupted, the body responds by producing fluid as part of the healing process. While this fluid is usually reabsorbed over time, in some cases, it can collect in the space left behind, forming a seroma.

Seromas are more frequently seen after surgeries that create larger pockets of space beneath the skin, such as:

• Tummy tucks (abdominoplasty): the removal of excess skin and fat leaves a space under the skin where fluid can accumulate.

• Breast lifts (mastopexy): as breast tissue is reshaped and repositioned, fluid may gather in the healing area after this breast surgery.

• Liposuction: the removal of large amounts of fat can create areas where seromas develop, particularly if the procedure is extensive.

• Facelifts: lifting and repositioning the skin may create small pockets where fluid collects beneath the surface.

Who is at an increased risk of seroma formation?

While seromas can occur in anyone undergoing plastic surgery, certain risk factors may make them more likely, including:

• The extent of the procedure: the more tissue removed or repositioned, the greater the chance of fluid build-up.

• Poor wound closure: if the surgical space is not properly closed, there is more room for fluid to collect.

• Inadequate post-operative care: not following aftercare instructions, such as wearing compression garments, can contribute to fluid accumulation.

• A history of seromas: if a person has developed a seroma after previous surgery, they may be more likely to experience it again.

• Smoking and poor circulation: these factors can interfere with the healing process, increasing the chance of complications such as seromas.

While seroma formation is a recognised risk after plastic surgery, most cases resolve on their own without causing long-term issues. However, if a seroma grows, becomes uncomfortable, or shows signs of infection, medical attention may be required to prevent further complications.

What does a seroma feel like?

Seromas often feel different depending on their size and location. Some common sensations include:

• A soft or squishy feeling under the skin: in smaller seromas, the fluid may shift slightly when pressed.

• A sense of fullness or pressure: larger seromas can create discomfort due to fluid build-up.

• Mild tenderness: while seromas are not always painful, they may cause a dull ache, particularly when pressing on nerves or surrounding tissues.

• A sloshing or shifting sensation: some people notice movement beneath the skin when changing position.

• Signs of infection: if the seroma becomes infected, pain may increase, and the area may feel warm. The fluid may also become thick or discoloured.

When should you seek medical attention?

In many cases, seromas improve on their own as the body gradually reabsorbs the excess fluid. However, there are times when medical treatment may be needed, particularly if the seroma becomes uncomfortable, grows larger or shows signs of infection.

You should contact your surgeon if:

• The seroma grows larger instead of shrinking over time: a swollen lump that continues to expand may indicate that the body is not reabsorbing the fluid effectively.

• The area becomes painful, red or inflamed: while mild tenderness is common, increasing discomfort and redness could suggest irritation or infection.

• Fluid begins leaking through the incision: this could indicate an infection, which may require antibiotics or further treatment.

• You develop a fever or feel unwell: if a seroma becomes infected, the body may react with fever, chills or general fatigue, which should be assessed by a medical professional.

How are seromas treated?

If a seroma does not resolve naturally, medical treatment may involve draining the fluid. This can be done through:

• Aspiration: a surgeon may use a fine needle to remove the fluid, particularly if the seroma is small and not infected.

• Drainage tubes: in some cases, drainage tubes may be placed after surgery to help prevent fluid build-up and reduce the risk of a swollen lump forming. If a seroma is persistent, a surgeon may insert a temporary drain to allow excess fluid to escape.

• Surgical intervention: if a seroma repeatedly returns or leads to complications, a minor procedure may be needed to remove the fluid and close the space where it is collecting.

Although seromas are generally harmless, poor management can prolong recovery and lead to further complications. A surgeon should monitor the healing process and recommend the appropriate medical treatment if necessary.

Could a seroma be due to surgical negligence?

Seromas are a recognised risk following many surgical procedures, including cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. While they can occur as part of the body’s natural healing process, surgeons are expected to take appropriate measures to reduce the likelihood of fluid build-up and manage it effectively if it develops.

In some cases, postoperative complications related to a seroma may be linked to negligence. This could happen if a surgeon fails to provide adequate aftercare. Potential examples include:

• Inadequate post-operative advice: when a surgeon advises a patient on recovery, they should explain how to manage swelling and minimise fluid build-up. If proper guidance is not given - such as instructions on using compression garments or recognising signs of complications - it can contribute to a prolonged or more uncomfortable healing process.

• Delays in recognising or treating a seroma: while small seromas may resolve on their own, larger ones or those showing signs of infection require timely medical attention. If a seroma is ignored, it can lead to postoperative complications, including infection, delayed healing or the need for further treatment.

If a surgeon did not take reasonable steps to manage a seroma, and this led to avoidable complications, there may be grounds for a cosmetic surgery negligence claim. Speaking to a legal expert such as Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors can help determine whether the standard of care provided met expected medical guidelines.

How Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors can help

At Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors, we specialise in helping people who have experienced complications due to cosmetic surgery negligence. If you believe that poor management of a seroma has caused unnecessary pain, infection or the need for additional treatment, our team is here to support you.

A surgeon has a responsibility to provide a standard of care that minimises the risk of avoidable complications. If a seroma has led to prolonged discomfort, infection or the need for further medical treatment due to surgical errors or inadequate aftercare, you may be entitled to make a compensation claim.

What a claim could cover

If your seroma was not managed appropriately and resulted in complications, you may be entitled to seek compensation for the impact it has had on your health and well-being.

The cost of corrective treatment or medical intervention

If further medical care has been needed to address a poorly managed seroma, a claim may help cover the expenses involved. This may include:

• Draining the seroma to relieve discomfort and reduce swelling.

• Treating an infection if the seroma became infected due to delays in medical intervention.

• Revision surgery if the initial surgical procedure contributed to complications that required further correction.

Pain, discomfort and prolonged recovery

If your healing process has been more difficult than expected due to negligence, this may be reflected in your compensation. This could apply if:

• You experienced ongoing pain or discomfort that was preventable with proper post-operative care.

• Your recovery was delayed, meaning you had to take more time off work or limit your daily activities.

• You required additional procedures that could have been avoided with better initial care.

The effect on daily life and emotional well-being

Physical complications do not just impact the body; they can also affect mental health and overall quality of life. A claim may take into account:

• The distress of prolonged healing and the uncertainty surrounding complications.

• The emotional impact of an unexpected outcome, particularly if it affects confidence in appearance.

• Difficulties with everyday activities due to pain, restricted movement, or the need for further treatment.

Contact us

If you are concerned that mistakes were made in your breast lift, tummy tuck, liposuction or facelift, you do not have to deal with the consequences alone.

Speak to our team today by calling 0808 271 2506 or filling in our online enquiry form to request a call back. We are here to provide expert legal advice and support if your procedure did not meet the expected standard.