Fluid buildup after lumpectomy

I had a lumpectomy in early March and the seroma didn't appear until the end of June. By then I had forgotten what I was told about seromas after surgery so just left it, hoping it would go away. It only got bigger, (felt like I had a grapefruit in there) more tender, harder and made my boob look deformed. I spoke to my medical oncologist who had a look and said it was fluid build up. He sent me for an ultrasound to be sure, but it was going to take a couple of weeks for me to get in. Then I remembered what the surgeon had told me so I called his office and his secretary said to come in straight away. It only took a couple of minutes and was painless. He drained off over half a litre of fluid and the relief was instant! I did end up with a crater shaped divot in my boob and was nears tears when I saw it. It looked even more deformed than before! But my surgeon said it would fill out again in a day or so and he was right. I have had the seroma drained twice more since, with the exact same results (although a little less fluid was aspirated each time) The last time he said unless it becomes hard or uncomfortable, to leave it, as it will eventually dissipate on its own.

So I suppose, if it is not causing you any grief, then leave it alone. If it is causing you concern, talk to your surgeon and be guided by him.

Good luck with it.

Hugs

San-Dee