What Is a Seroma?

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributor, Felicia Wilson
Medically Reviewed by Poonam Sachdev on May 21, 2025
5 min read

‌A seroma is a buildup of clear fluid inside the body. It happens most often after surgery. A seroma is not often dangerous but can cause pain and discomfort.

If you have a seroma, your doctor or care provider can offer advice or relief.

A seroma can happen in an organ, tissue, or body cavity. After surgery, fluid may enter the surgical site, especially if it's a cavity. This fluid is part of your body's natural healing process, which begins as your body starts repairing the affected tissues..

When any injury, including one related to surgery, occurs to a tissue, your body responds with inflammation. This inflammation is what leads to the main fluid buildup.

After surgery, many people are treated using a device like the Jackson Pratt drain to remove the extra fluid while they are healing. Seroma may happen after the drain comes out.

Typically, a seroma may arise about 7-10 days after surgery. Sometimes, a seroma happens even if you don't have a drain.

Seroma vs. hematoma

What's the difference between a seroma and a hematoma?

A seroma happens when there is a buildup of clear fluid under your skin. 

A hematoma happens when there is a buildup of blood outside your blood vessels. You may see this after some type of surgery, injury, or a fall. Hematomas can appear anywhere on your body, and they can cause pain and swelling.

Hematomas usually go away on their own. But in some cases, they may have to be surgically removed, depending on where they are located.

Seroma is most often linked to breast cancer surgery, including the following types:

  • Mastectomy
  • Lumpectomy
  • ‌Lymph node removal

Seroma is also a possible complication of other procedures, such as:

Speak with your doctor or care provider before you have any surgery. A seroma may be a complication even if your type of surgery is not on this list.

A seroma may cause symptoms at the site of your surgery, including the following:

  • A balloon-like swelling of the skin
  • ‌A feeling of liquid or obvious movement under the skin

If the seroma is large, its size may cause you discomfort. Although not necessarily a cause for alarm, seroma should be looked at by a doctor.

Many seromas do not need treatment. Often, the body will reabsorb the fluid. This usually takes about a month but can take as long as a year. If your seroma is very small, your doctor may suggest that you wear compression clothing to help it absorb on its own.

Sometimes, doctors may advise you to get treatment for your seroma. This treatment will involve needle aspiration (which is draining the fluid with a needle), but this can increase the risk of introducing infection to the area. So, this treatment is only used if the following conditions are observed:

  • The area is free of infection
  • The seroma causes discomfort, pain, pressure, or tightness
  • The seroma affects function or mobility

A large seroma, even if it is not painful, can badly affect your appearance after the body has healed.

Because this is a medical procedure, you should not try to do an aspiration of a seroma at home. You may risk introducing infection to the area.

Seroma drainage

Besides needle aspiration, your doctor may suggest other types of drainage, including:

  • Closed-suction aspiration. A medical profession uses a suction bulb to drain larger seromas.
  • Catheter aspiration. A medical profession uses a tube to continuously drain seromas that keep coming back.
  • Surgical incision. A doctor makes a small cut for the seroma to drain.
  • Sclerotherapy. This method uses meds inserted inside of the seroma to help it heal.

In most cases, a seroma is not an emergency. But you should let your doctor know if you think you have a seroma.

The following are signs that your seroma has gotten infected:

  • Tenderness
  • Redness
  • Warmth

Tell your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms on or near the seroma. Also, tell your doctor if you notice that the seroma:

  • Is getting bigger or the amount of fluid is increasing
  • Is causing pressure, discomfort, or pain
  • Shows increased swelling

These all may indicate another medical issue that may require medical attention.

Even a seroma that does not need treatment can affect your healing journey. A 2018 study showed that in people living with breast cancer, seroma can result in the following:

  • Longer recovery
  • Discomfort
  • Delayed radiotherapy

Because a seroma can directly affect your health, including the pace and timeline of your remaining treatment, talk to your health care provider about your experiences and symptoms. 

Seroma is often a manageable complication of surgery. Many people need no treatment. Sometimes, seroma can get worse and affect your healing and treatment plan. Talk to your medical team about symptoms and reach out to them if you need support.

Seromas are common and not dangerous. They usually happen after surgery. While they can be uncomfortable, most seromas go away on their own in a few weeks or months, without any treatment.

Keep a close eye on your seromas. If you notice discomfort, tenderness, redness, an increase in size, or drainage that is cloudy, bloody, or has an odor, contact your doctor.

How long does a seroma last?

A seroma can last a few weeks to several months, depending on your body's healing time. 

What color is seroma fluid?

The fluid from a seroma is usually clear, pale yellow, or straw-colored. If the fluid is cloudy or bloody, you may need to check with a doctor because it may signal an infection. 

How to drain a seroma at home

You should not drain a seroma at home because it increases the risk of infection. You should have a seroma drained by a health professional in a clean, sterile environment.

What cream is good for seroma?

There is no specific cream you can use for a seroma. But your doctor may recommend an antibiotic cream to use if the area is irritated.