Seroma after necklift

[Unregistered]

I developed a seroma (bleeding under the skin of the watery portion of the blood as opposed to a hematoma) on my neck after a necklift and fat removal through an approx. 1" incision under my chin. I did not have any of the usual risk factors - no smoking, alcohol use, blood thinners, etc. My seroma was drained five times over a two week period, the last time being one week ago. I am now almost four weeks post op. During the period of having my seroma drained, I started to develop lumps in the neck area below my incision with darkish lines below and between the lumps. My doctor says my condition is unusual but he feels the lumps will resolve in time. In the meantime he recommended warm compresses and massage. I have seen some improvement in the size and hardness of the lumps since last week, however the grooves between the lumps remain the same and really concern me. Are these going to become scars? My doctor says they will smooth out as the lumps go down but could take a few months. Have any of you had experience with this? I'm 49, have good skin tone, and a family history of double chins and "turkey gobbler" necks. That is why I did this surgery, as I was starting to see changes in my neck I didn't like - now I'm wondering if I made a big mistake!

[danya]

I agree that the lumps and bumps should go away within a few months, like your doctor advised you. And, warm compresses and massaging with your fingers can help it resolve quicker.

The most likely reason to develop seromas is from the raw tissues rubbing together. To reduce the irritation, your body naturally collects more serum (fluid). This is similiar to the fluid that would be inside of a blister.

A seroma usually occurs when there is not enough compression, or when the compression is removed prematurely, although it can occur regardless of compression, too.

Dont worry, it will get better...
Danya