A SEROMA as a Gynecomastia Surgery Complication

You may never have heard of the word “seroma”, but in case, contemplating on undergoing a gynecomastia surgery in India, this may be the right time to learn about it.

What is Seroma?
In simple terms, the condition is also referred to as fluid build-up. A seroma is a pocket or an accumulation of clear serous fluid that commonly develops under the skin after a surgery. A seroma normally develops in sites where tissue has been removed or the surgical incision site.

Why Does it Occur?
By removing the glandular tissue or the additional fat from the body, it results in a space and injured, damaged or dying cells. Generally, undergoing a gynecomastia surgery presents seroma as a major complication since it is an extensive surgery.

Therefore, the surgeon’s experience and expertise can help prevent or minimize seroma occurrence and other complications after a gynecomastia surgery. 

How is Seroma Prevented after a Gynecomastia Surgery?
Basically, there are two approaches; i.e. inserting drainages and wearing a compression vest. 

Drains are termed as an effective approach to preventing seroma. The drains are made of tubes that transport the clear serous fluid from the surgical site (breast) to a small plastic bulb with negative pressure. Dressings are applied after which a patient is required to wear a compression vest.

The drains are normally removed after 3 days and this will probably be your first post-operative return to the cosmetic centre. The compression vest can be removed before showering, but it has to be worn at all times for a period of four to six months.