Hi all, i had mymastectomy on 25th July and have developed a seroma. I saw BC nurse a week ago who didnt seem too concened and offered to drain it if it was affecting my movement or excersises (which it wasnt). However, it has continued to grow and is well on the way to matching my other breast. I have read a few rticles tht suggestvthey are best left alone - advice and eperiences welome xx
Hi Pearly800
I have attached a link to our booklet “Your operation and recovery” which might be helpful. There is a small section on seromas.
www2.breastcancercare.org.uk/sites/default/files/your_operation_and_recovery_bcc151_0.pdf
You could also give our helpline a call to talk over any concerns. Opening times are 9-5 on weekdays and 10-2 on Saturdays. The number is 0808 800 6000
Very best wishes
Janet
BCC Moderator
Hi pearly if a seroma doesn’t bother you then it is best left for your body to reabsorb, however if it becomes troublesome and large then it gets uncomfortable and in my case quite painful. I’ve had mine drained four times over a couple of months and the relief is tremendous, it carries a risk of infection as a needle is going into body but if it starts to look infected they can prescribe antibiotics.
it doesn’t hurt as where they aspirate is completely numb , well was in my case. I couldn’t have coped without aspiration as couldn’t sleep, get comfortable etc. a seroma is very common after breast and ANC surgery . Hope this helps , ps I didn’t get any infections x
Thanks ladies. Its not exactly painful but uncomfortable, especially at night. I have taken to wearing a soft crop top which seems to help slightly. I had full ANC clearance so i suppose i should have expected it as i was still draining 80mm daily when they removed the drain. glad the procedure is pain free as that was worrying me slightly. Ive gently rubbed bio oil over it as i was also worried about stretching the scar and surrounding flesh. i may try to persevere with crossed fingers xx
Hi Pearly - I had seromas develop 2 or 3 times after my mastectomy. I wouldn’t say they were painful but definitely uncomfortable and restrictive. I had them drained each time but eventually the fluid just re-absorbed back into my body.
PS: It wasn’t painful having them drained!
Jan. x
Hi Pearlie,
I had a large seroma after mastectomy and Ld flap recon, had it drained a few times, then my doctor suggested trying compression. I used an old boob several sizes too small, wore it night and day, and it certainly helped, it didn’t need draining again.
Good luck
Jojox
Hi there
I had a seroma drained five times bit it has now settled and no further problems. Good luck! 
Thanks ladies. I went back to clinic yesterday and they drained 600ml off and left a little behind. The procedure wasnt painful until she touched a nerve with the needle - ouch! Feeling better now though x
Oooo that sounds like a big one. Well done for being brave Pearly 800!
Oooo that sounds like a big one. Well done for being brave Pearly 800!
600ml wow think that’s better out than in , hope you feel better for it x