Seroma is the accumulation of liquid which occurs under the skin during the postoperative period of a surgery, leaving the scar area higher than normal. Seroma forms due to extravasation of blood plasma or lymph (fluid circulating in lymphatic vessels), arising in the first few weeks after surgery.
Seroma formation can occur in any surgery. However, it is more frequent in operations involving large tissue detachments, such as plastic surgery abdominoplasty, liposuction, silicone prosthesis implantation, breast reduction, among others.
The signals and symptons of the seroma include local bulging (region of the scar is higher than the surrounding skin), fluctuation in the area of the scar, sensation of fluid moving in the area of surgery, extravasation of a whitish liquid through the scar.
Another characteristic of seroma is the absence of signs of inflammation, such as pain and redness. However, if there is infection, these signs may be present and the liquid will have a characteristic odor. There may also be fever in these cases.
The liquid may also turn reddish if it is mixed with blood, whereas chronic seromas may have a more chocolate-colored tone.
Seroma treatment is done through punctures to withdraw the accumulated liquid. The procedure is performed with a syringe and a large-gauge needle after the application of local anesthesia.
The doctor may prescribe antibiotics to prevent possible infections from puncture. If the seroma is infected, treatment will also include the use of antibiotics.
Seroma treatment should preferably be performed by the physician who performed the operation.
