does draining a seroma hurt?

Hi i had my lumpectomy and axilary node clearence last friday and the drain was removed a week post op - i have a seroma building up in my underarm which they are going to aspirate on thursday - it is gernally numb under here, but just wondering if this will hurt still or not? Has anyone had any experience? I am hoping because it is numb mainly under my arm still that i wont be abe to feel the needle when they go to aspirate. Heres hoping anyways!

  • Hi,

    I had a seroma in my groin after a full lymph node clearance in the groin and pelvis. I too had it aspirated and, due to my groin being numb, I hardly felt a thing. The only thing to be aware of is the chance of it coming back again, in which case they will leave it to break down and disappear itself (mine did & it took 6 months to finally disappear). This is becauise each time they use a needle they are putting you at risk of infection so they don't like to do it more than once if possible. Good luck,

    Angie (melanoma patient)

  • Hi, 

    I had a seroma drained last month, about a week after my drain was removed post lumpectomy and axial node clearance. Like you, I was dreading it but I really felt absolutely nothing. I was so relieved as I had been putting it off, worrying about it! I did have an infection afterwards but that was probably there already. Just keep a check on redness of the skin and pain developing. I’ve not needed draining since - think my body has adjusted by clearing the lymph elsewhere. Good luck with it.