Mastectomy fluid how long does it last?

Hi

i had a lump and 2 lymph nodes removed on 4th March and I have been swollen ever since.  Over the last weekend it seemed to get worse. My breast was very swollen and sore and under my arm is solid and I am looking like hulk on the left hand side!  I am guessing it is a seroma and I believe they drain away themselves.

my surgeon had said they only drain them if absolutely necessary as they refill anyway and she doesn’t want to risk infection.  I am in getting herceptin treatment tomorrow so I will ask them to take a look.

I will be glad when it is gone!

best wishes!

Hi,

I ended up going back every 3 or 4 days for them to drain it for about 2 weeks after the drain was taken out. Then went back once a week for about another 2 weeks. 

It did eventually settle but each time.e they drained it, it felt so much better as if all the pressure had been taken away as it was uncomfortable. It still.has a bit of fluid build.up bit after a couple days it does seem to go

Hi Mel

I had a mastectomy last November 2020. I developed a seroma. The breast care nurse had to drain it 4 times as it was very uncomfortable. It settled about 6 weeks after the surgery and didn't need to be drained again.