Technique for seroma drainage in implant-based breast reconstruction

Seromas are a common complication associated with breast reconstructive surgery. In expander based breast reconstructions, a seroma can pose a particularly difficult problem related to final tissue envelope shape as well as an increase in the risk of infection and possible tissue necrosis. Unfortunately, the literature describes few non-image related techniques to drain a seroma with a breast implant in place. We present a technique to drain a seroma associated with expander based breast reconstruction in conjunction with expander inflation, minimizing the risk of expander puncture, utilizing the same equipment necessary for expander inflation in the office. The benefit to this technique is that diagnostic and therapeutic imaging is not necessary and the risk of expander damage is minimized. (C) 2012 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.