Any advice/support welcome. I had a left side mastectomy and full lymph nodes clearance 2 weeks ago. I’ve been struggling with the build up of fluid under my left arm, and where the breast was. My surgeon does not use drains. In desperation I had it drained on Thursday, but I can already feel it building up again. I know I can have it drained again, but the amount of swelling/size of the seroma and discomfort from it has knocked me off course. Also the area is v sore. I am struggling to hold my left arm properly as it is so uncomfortable. Rightly or wrongly I wasn’t expecting any of this and just thought it would be nice and flat. Any tips welcome, plus similar experiences .
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You have my sympathy. I ended up with a seroma the size of a water melon and a great deal of pain and discomfort - none of which I was ever warned about. If I were you, dependent upon the size, I would insist on having it drained. They are never keen on this because it takes time and many hospitals will only let a radiologist do it, but persevere. I can tell you it will go eventually but mine became hot and inflamed and in the end I had it drained off three times. Don’t be afraid to say how uncomfortable you are.
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@sue789 Sorry to hear you’re struggling like this 
. I’ve been lucky and not had to deal with it so far maybe because I’ve only had one node taken 3 weeks after my mastectomy. But I was worried about it and found the video below which might help??
I think just deep breathing going from your belly up to your upper chest can help with lymph drainage.
Might be worth asking your team about this or even seeing a specialist that deals with lymph massage.
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Sounds very very similar to myself. I had it drained by BCN - breast surgeon had seen it on my check up and thought it needed draining immediately, I had asked before but there was reluctance for some reason. The second time I insisted (3 or so weeks later), there was no hesitation then and BCN did it… after second time the seroma came back mildly and I lived with it and had advice from lymph. nurse on exercise and massage…. Eventually it subsided and now hardly noticeable to me. Massage and exercise definitely help after initial drainings. Still do exercises and moisturising massage today (4 years on) All the best to you 
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The only thing I can add is try resting your left elbow on cushion on its side or the arm of the chair/sofa when you’re sitting down. It will stop your upper arm resting on your sore area.
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Thanks, I feel reassured I am not alone! How long did yours last for, if you can remember? The BCNs did the drain thankfully. If you don’t mind me asking, what type of bra did you were if any when it was at it’s worst?
Hello, you have my full sympathy—I had two operations and ended up with a seroma after each one, so I completely understand how uncomfortable they can be! My first was in my breast after a lumpectomy, and the second was under my arm after having more lymph nodes removed.
For the arm seroma, I’ve been getting it drained weekly by my consultant or BCN for the last six weeks. At first, they were pulling off 500ml each time, but that gradually decreased down to just 100ml last week. At this point, it feels manageable enough to just let it be and give my body a chance to start reabsorbing the fluid on its own. I’m still popping in to see the BCN this Friday just for peace of mind, though I doubt I’ll need it drained again.
One thing that made a huge difference for me was using heart-shaped cushions—a fuller one to protect my arm from rubbing against the seroma during the day, and a slimmer one to keep comfortable in bed at night. They really helped!
About three weeks, maybe a bit more, then it gradually started going down. I went braless during that time.
Hello Sue 789,
I also had a seroma after my double mastectomy. The Surgeon did not use drains but from what I have researched that did not cause the Seroma, in fact it is supposedly better. Anyway, had it drained and then it happened another three times, drained each time until the Surgeon suggested closure of the dead space to stop it as you can’t go on having it drained due to possible infection and scar tissue. So he operated and closed the dead space and hey presto no more seromas. Just one of those things that some people get and not others. Bit like my hair not growing back after almost three years. Don’t worry if they suggest the op I had, piece of cake.
Love and best wishes, Minnie
I developed a seroma after lumpectomy which was drained three times before having it surgically closed. I didn’t have a drain after lumpectomy but did after the closure. I still have a small seroma which I’ll live with. However, my BS is now reluctant to do a reconstruction because of the amount of scar tissue from two operations! I would ask lots of questions before deciding on treatment!!
Hope all goes well