fluid build up after tissue expanders placed drains out

Lisalou · 03-24-2014, 07:57 AM

Hi I had my bilateral mastectomy on 2/17 and have had problems with fluid accumulation ever since the drains were removed. The drainage was very low when they were pulled. The plastic surgeon thought about replacing them but because I have started chemo did not want to due to infection risk. though he is concerned that if for some reason I do get an infection else where, the fluid makes a nice medium for bacteria to grow and could invade the reconstruction areas. He has drawn off fluid by a syringe several times. He said he will not draw off again unless I get uncomfortable with the fluid.
I have been in constant compression trying to keep the fluid from accumulating after he withdraws, and then trying to help it reasorb once it does accumulate.
Has anyone else had this problem and discovered something that works to help the fluid reabsorb?
Thanks

RobinP · 03-24-2014, 08:00 AM

No not had this, but maybe limit your arm and upper body movements to help decrease your seroma.

Lisalou · 03-24-2014, 08:11 AM

Thanks
I probably should note what I have been doing. Still on weight restrictions for lifting and upper body/arm restrictions since surgery, getting tired of not being allowed to reach for anything. Have done supportive taping, with compression garments over top. Compression of varying sorts 24/7 with the exception of showering. Applying cold packs after the showers (heat followed by cold is supposed to aid in decreasing soft tissue swelling) but does not seem to translate to seromas, for this anyway. Appreciate the post Robin
Thanks
Lisa

IrvineFriend · 03-26-2014, 07:49 PM

My PS kept draining me until I was less than 30 cc/day. I accidentally pulled my drain out and found it caused a lot of damage when I had my expanders changed out for implants. The inner muscle never came together and had the upper part of the muscle at my neck which caused scaring from the expander popping through my skin. So be sure to watch out for that too. Good luck.
-Julie

snolan · 03-27-2014, 01:25 PM

I had this problem and was on antibiotics for 3 months and went in to get it drained 2-3 times a week. Placed drains back in and it wouldn't stop producing fluid. Had to take the expander out due to fact that I was supposed to start radiation and couldn't with the fluid and infection. Turned out my PS said I had a seroma under the expander that he wouldn't have been able to reach so nothing we would have done would have helped. I did have some issues with fluid after reconstruction had additional drains in for 5 weeks and it fell out but turned out that a few days later the fluid accumalation stopped and reabsorbed. It was very frustrating as I am sure you are. My PS had recommended taking out the expander from the beginning but I was stubbon and wanted to keep it so I wouldn't have to to the recontruction with the lat flap. He was right in the end, guess thats why he has MD after his name and I don't. Hope this resolves for you I know how frustrating it can be.
Suzanne

Lisalou · 03-28-2014, 04:50 AM

Dear Julie and Suzanne
Thanks for your input. Since the fluid continues to accumulate despite draining I have been taken off restrictions. I am still doing some compress with taping and some additional padding the bra in areas the fluid seems to accumulate. Seems to be helping. I am gradually resuming upper body activities (no badminton yet). My accupuncture herbalist suggested alternating hot and warm compresses (which I have done) but with the addition of calendula ointment of boiling the leaves and using the extract to make the compress. So I believe I will give that a try also. So far no evidence of infection and the PS says the allograft is holding on the pectoral muscle. However I will stay vilgilant watching for both
Thanks for the support
Lisa

IrvineFriend · 03-28-2014, 04:23 PM

It was my allograft that didn't hold so glad to hear that is doing fine. I didn't have a problem until after several fills so what started to become visible was almost like bruising (I figured I bumped it but since I had no sensation, and wouldn't know I did it). It was bruising from the expander coming through the skin which left a nice big scar. But during my expander exchange, she had alloderm available at the surgery center and put me back together again. She said the alloderm likely didn't work because of the excess fluid so something to watch for. Good luck. Never a dull moment!
-Julie