What is seroma?

After a surgery, fluid can collect under the skin near the cut the doctor made (incision). This soft, puffy area is called a seroma. It can be tender to touch. The incision may even have opened up.

Some seromas get better on their own. But when there is a lot of fluid under the skin, a seroma is drained to help the area heal.

If your incision has opened up, it may either be packed with gauze or left open to heal. To prevent infection, make sure to keep the area clean and to take all medicines as prescribed.

• Follow your doctor's instructions for seroma care. If your child has a drain tube, your doctor will tell you how to take care of it.
• Look at your child's incision every day. Keep the area clean and dry.
• Do not allow your child to bathe unless you can keep the incision dry. Start with sponge baths. Ask your doctor when it is safe for your child to shower.
• Do not scrub or rub the incision. And avoid clothing that rubs it.
• Leave any tape strips (such as Steri-Strips) on the incision. They will fall off on their own, or your doctor may tell you when to take them off.
• Do not put lotion or powder on incisions.
• Keep the incision out of direct sunlight.

• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If the doctor gave your child a prescription medicine for pain, give it as prescribed.
  • If your child is not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask the doctor if your child can take an over-the-counter medicine.
• Your doctor may give you specific instructions on when your child can do normal activities again, such as sports and going back to school.