[citation needed] It was joined with a word-forming element from Greek: oma, with -o-, lengthened stem vowel + -ma suffix, especially taken in medical use as "tumor" or "morbid growth".

[citation needed] Seromas are different from hematomas, which contain red blood cells, and abscesses, which contain pus and result from an infection.

Early or improper removal of sutures can sometimes lead to formation of seroma or discharge of serous fluid from operative areas.

[1] On CT scans, seromas have a radiodensity of 0–20 Hounsfield units, generally in the lower part of this range, consistent with clear fluid.

Liposuction contributes to seroma formation when it is done in conjunction with creating a "flap" and potential space is confluent with the treated area.

Drains suck the two layers together so the body's natural "glue" (fibrin) and wound healing have a chance for a permanent bond.

(In abdominoplasty, sitting upright with the knees bent and hips flexed will cause pressure across the lower abdomen and a tendency to seroma formation.

Following breast augmentation or double mastectomy, binding the chest may be recommended for several weeks to minimize the risk of seromas.

Quilting (inserting interrupted deep stitches in the wound) after mastectomy probably significantly reduces seroma formation.

[13] Depending on its volume and duration, control of a leak may take up to a few weeks to resolve with aspiration of serua and the application of pressure dressings.

If a serum or leak does not resolve (e.g., after a soft tissue biopsy), taking the patient back to the operating room may be necessary to place some form of closed-suction drain into the wound.