What Are the Additional Complications of a Hematoma After Breast Reduction?

I had a breast reduction surgery completed 3 days ago (on a Thursday, today is Saturday). I had a post-op appointment on Friday where the surgeon observed that I have a hematoma in my left breast. I am scheduled for surgery on Tuesday to have it drained/removed. I am wondering if there are any other issues I should be concerned with in the mean time? I've noticed dried blood in my nose, which is not common for me. Can the left breast be this much bigger just from a hematoma?

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6 Doctor Answers | Asked by csunder in Kingston, ON

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Breast Reduction and Hematoma?

Thank you for the question and picture. Once the hematoma is drained your breast symmetry will be much improved. The skin has been stretched and will take several months and even up to a year to retract back. Best wishes.

After effects of breast hematoma

Based on your picture and events, it is unlikely to have a problem after the hematoma (collection of blood) is drained. You may feel better and your breasts should be closer to the same size.

Hematoma after breast reduction

A hematoma can occur in a small percentage of patients after a reduction. This can be treated by evacuating it in the operating room.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Types of hematomas after breast reduction and their treatment

Generally speaking, there are stable hematomas and expanding hematomas. It sounds as if you have the former and waiting is an option for resorption of small collections and drainage for larger collections. commonly they will liquefy after 7-10 days and are easier to extract at that point. Expanding hematomas typically are arterial in nature and may be associated with anticoagulants. These tend to increase in size and may compromise the circulatation resulting in interrruption... more

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Hematoma after breast reduction could compromise nipple blood supply

Hematomas can happen after any procedure. In a breast reduction, it is important that the pressure of the hematoma is not pressing on the blood supply of the nipple. Many times, there is significant pain and the drainage can not wait 3 days like your case, so keep your doctor advised of any increased pain or changes in niplpe color.

Hematoma Can Lead to Increased Size And Scarring

When you develop a hematoma of a certain size, it can really make the breast appear quite larger then the other side. This is not unusal when you have some significant bleeding. The best thing to do is to eveacuate the hematoma as best as possible, clean out the tissues, and re-close the breast. It will remain swollen and larger then the other side for a few months, but then should subside. The one thing that the hematoma can lead to is increased scarring... more