Ann Plast Reconstr Surg | Volume 9, Issue 1 | Case Report | Open Access
Cooper M*, Karcher C, Sullivan E and Aphaiyarath J
1090 W Causeway Approach, Louisiana, United States
*Correspondance to: Michele Cooper
Fulltext PDFBackground: Postoperative seromas, a common complication following plastic surgery, particularly abdominoplasty, are challenging to manage owing to their high recurrence rates. Traditional treatments — aspiration, drain placement, and doxycycline injection — have demonstrated inconsistent efficacy. This study evaluated the use of intralesional Kenalog (triamcinolone acetonide) as an alternative treatment for recurrent seromas. Methods: Five female patients, ages 48–65, with postoperative seromas unresponsive to conventional treatments underwent Kenalog injections. The steroid mixture, ranging from 100 mg–200 mg Kenalog diluted in bacteriostatic saline (final volume 10–30 mL), was injected directly into the seroma cavity using an 18-gauge needle after aspiration. Patients were followed up weekly to assess resolution. Results: All five patients experienced seroma resolution following Kenalog injection. Patient 1 had two unsuccessful excision surgeries, multiple unsuccessful aspirations, and doxycycline injections, but achieved long-term relief after Kenalog treatment. Patients 2–5, with smaller seromas, achieved resolution with one Kenalog injection. Patients were followed up after seroma resolution to confirm sustained recovery and the absence of complications. No significant side effects such as fat atrophy, skin atrophy, skin discoloration, or systemic effects were observed. Discussion: Kenalog may reduce seroma recurrence by downregulating inflammatory signaling, although its precise mechanism of action remains unexplored in this case study. This study supports its efficacy as an alternative treatment in recurrent seromas. Further research with a larger cohort is warranted to confirm its role in postoperative seroma management. Conclusion: Kenalog is a promising and minimally invasive treatment for refractory postoperative seromas, offering consistent resolution with minimal discomfort and risk.
Seromas; Recurrent; Plastic Surgery; Kenalog
Cooper M, Karcher C, Sullivan E, Aphaiyarath J. Use of Kenalog Injection in the Reduction of Postoperative Seromas. Ann Plast Reconstr Surg.2025; 9(1): 1125..