Seroma after LD flap surgery

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Hi
I had a LD Flap reconstruction 10 days ago. I’m very happy with the results and haven’t been in much pain. But I now have a huge seroma on my back. I was warned about this. I guess I am just surprised by the size - makes sleeping even more uncomfortable!
Does anyone have experience of this? How long do these things last?
All the best
Jo

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Yes I had a seroma after LD flap surgery and it was large. It started at aorund 700ml and wasa gradually reduced by drainage. At around 6 weeks my surgeon suggested leaving the body to absorb the remainder ( say around 200ml) which it does appear to have done. I am now 3 moths post op. I never found it painful- just a nuisance . I am now left with a flat but hard area and tight feeling where it was ,which can be mildly uncomfortable at times. does this disappear in time? does the seroma ever reappear.Any experience out there please??

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You should be able to get your BCN or someone at the hospital to drain it for you. It doesn’t hurt and takes the pressure off for a while and makes it more comfortable to rest on your back. I had mine drained only 4 days after leaving hospital, then about 3 more times during the first 5 weeks or so. They drained only 70-120 mls each time, but it was still worth it. Then it calmed down and I didn’t need it doing any more.

Julie

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I had a mas with immediate ld flap reconstruction June 2010. Had 2 seromas drained July august with steroid injection. Then had 2 more seromas drained january 2011 and 1 drained yesterday. It was 200ml of blood and started on april 5 as result of a minor tumble…,in the snow! Today it is back again but I feel very Poorly with it whereas I was fine yesterday. Anyone had a similar experience? Can seromas always be safely left to reabsorb? Can’t see my surgeon again til after bank holidays. Thanks, jx

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Jublw
I wouldn’t have thought it should make you feel poorly. Could you ring your breast surgery ward, or nhs direct or maybe your town has a drop-in centre, even if just to put your mind at rest.
Julie

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Julie
Thanks for your reply. Am going to see how it is tomorrow and if it’s as bad I’ll try NHS direct. No drop in centres in Cornwall as far as I know.
Thanks again
Jublew

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Hi Jublew

Our helpline is open this morning if you still need to speak to someone for some information about your seroma on 0808 800 6000, the line is open 9-2

Take care
Lucy

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Hi jublew

I was troubled with a seroma post surgery which went on for months.Although I had it drained many times it kept coming back and it was decided to leave it for my body to reabsorb. After a time I noticed the area was becoming red and I felt quite poorly. Like now it was a bank holiday so I left it until clinic reopened. It had become infected and I needed surgery to open it up and clean it out. DON’T wait and see, please get it checked out. Seromas are normally harmless but not always.

Good luck

Andie

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Dear Lucy and Andie
I do feel a bit better this morning, both with regard to pain and poorliness so feel that it’s less likely to be an infection? I will see how the day goes on and if I revert to the way o felt yesterday I’ll call for advice.
Thank you very much Andie for telling me of your experience. Are you completely healed and ok now?
Jublew

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Hi jublew

Thank you I am fine now as far as the seroma is concerned. It was just traumatic at the time.

Take care

Andie.

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Hi jo, I am now 14 days post surgery and have a seroma on my back for about 3days, it is now fairly uncomfortable. What advice was given to you?

Many thanks
Nikki