Whether you’re having liposuction, a tummy tuck, BBL, breast surgery, or another cosmetic procedure, your recovery is just as important as your surgery. One of the most common post-operative complications is a seroma—a build-up of fluid beneath the skin that can delay healing if not managed properly.
At Om Wellness Clinic, we provide specialist Post-Operative Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) and personalised recovery plans to support healing, reduce swelling, and help minimise the risk of complications following surgery.
What Is a Seroma?
A seroma is a collection of clear lymphatic fluid that builds up beneath the skin after surgery or trauma. It occurs when small blood vessels and lymphatic vessels are disrupted during an operation, allowing fluid to collect in the space left behind as the tissues heal.
The fluid is usually clear or pale yellow but may sometimes appear pink if mixed with a small amount of blood. Seromas most commonly develop 7–14 days after surgery, often after surgical drains have been removed.
Small seromas may gradually disappear as the body reabsorbs the fluid. Larger seromas can cause discomfort, increase swelling, delay healing, and may require assessment or drainage by your surgeon.
Which Surgeries Have a Higher Risk?
Seromas can occur after many surgical procedures but are more common following operations involving large areas of tissue, including:
- Liposuction
- Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
- Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)
- Breast Augmentation
- Breast Reduction
- Breast Reconstruction
- Mastectomy
- Body Contouring Surgery
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing a seroma, including:
- Extensive surgery
- Large treatment areas
- Higher body weight
- Inadequate compression
- Excessive activity too soon after surgery
- Long-distance travel or flying during early recovery
- Delayed lymphatic drainage
How to Help Prevent a Seroma
Although seromas cannot always be prevented, following your surgeon’s instructions and receiving appropriate aftercare may help reduce the risk.
Wear the Correct Compression Garment
A properly fitted Faja or compression garment helps reduce the space where fluid can collect while supporting swelling reduction and tissue healing.
Use an Abdominal Board (When Recommended)
For liposuction procedures, an abdominal board may provide additional support, encourage even compression, and assist with shaping during recovery when advised by your surgeon.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a gentle treatment that encourages the natural movement of lymphatic fluid through the body.
When performed by a properly trained post-operative therapist, MLD may help:
- Reduce swelling
- Encourage lymphatic drainage
- Improve comfort
- Support tissue healing
- Reduce fluid build-up
- Promote a smoother recovery
At Om Wellness Clinic, our therapist has completed advanced professional training through the Lymphoedema Training Academy, an accredited UK training provider recognised within the professional standards associated with MLD UK. Our expertise extends beyond MLD to include:
- Advanced Scar Tissue Therapy
- Fibrosis Treatment
- Myofascial Release
- Vagus Nerve Therapy
- Fibromyalgia Release
This allows us to tailor treatment to your specific surgery and stage of healing.
Follow Your Surgeon’s Recovery Plan
Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and activities that place unnecessary strain on the surgical area until your surgeon advises it is safe.
How Are Seromas Treated?
Many small seromas gradually disappear as the body naturally absorbs the fluid.
Your recovery may be supported by:
- Continuing Manual Lymphatic Drainage sessions
- Wearing your compression garment correctly
- Staying hydrated
- Eating a balanced, protein-rich diet
- Following your surgeon’s aftercare advice
If a seroma becomes large, painful, or continues to increase in size, your surgeon may recommend draining the fluid using a sterile needle. In some cases, further treatment may be necessary.
When Should You Contact Your Surgeon?
Seek medical advice immediately if you notice:
- Increasing redness or warmth around the surgical area
- Fever or feeling generally unwell
- Increasing pain
- Rapid swelling
- Fluid leaking from the wound
- A seroma that continues to enlarge
- Hardening or increasing pressure around the treated area
Prompt assessment can help reduce the risk of infection and support appropriate treatment.
How Om Wellness Clinic Can Help
At Om Wellness Clinic, we specialise in Pre- and Post-Operative Manual Lymphatic Drainage for cosmetic surgery recovery.
Our personalised treatment plans combine:
- Advanced Post-Operative MLD
- Scar Tissue Therapy
- Fibrosis Management
- Myofascial Release
- Vagus Nerve Therapy
Every treatment is tailored to your procedure, stage of healing, and recovery goals to help support a smoother and more comfortable recovery.
If you’re preparing for surgery or recovering afterwards, we’re here to help guide you through every stage of your healing journey.
Book your consultation today with Om Wellness Clinic, located inside David Lloyd Milton Keynes.
References
- Seroma prevention and management following body contouring surgery. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4347361/
- National Health Service (NHS). Surgical wound care and recovery guidance. https://www.nhs.uk/
- British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS). Patient information on recovery after surgery. https://www.bapras.org.uk/
- Lymphoedema Support Network. Information about the lymphatic system and Manual Lymphatic Drainage. https://www.lymphoedema.org/