What if Breast Hematoma Goes Untreated?

Thank you for your question. A hematoma can be very mild or very pronounced in its presentation. A mild one may induce slightly more swelling and increased bruising and will likely resolve on its own. A more severe hematoma can result in dramatic asymmetry in terms of swelling, feelings of light headedness due to loss of blood, severe bruising, and can be rapidly growing. If you every experience the latter, then I would contact your surgeon immediately and if you have trouble, you may even go to the ER. Larger hematomas often have to be surgically drained.  I would follow-up closely with your plastic surgeon.

Bleeding is a complication that can happen from any surgery.  In breast augmentation, if a hematoma (collection blood and clot around the implant) occurs, it is better to surgically have the hematoma removed within 2-3 days to avoid risk of capsular contracture (hardening of the implant capsule).  If significant time has elapsed from the surgery and hematoma, then, it is wiser to wait until all inflammation calms down before another surgery is done.  A hematoma can get infected if left alone and so you have to look out for redness, pain, fever, etc.  If an infection sets in, then, the implant has to be removed and the implant pocket needs to be cleaned out and the area has to be allowed to heal for 6 months to a year before attempting to put the implant back in.

After 6 weeks have already passed, there is no reason to go back into the breast pocket to evacuate the hematoma unless there is any sign of infection or a capsule has formed.  The discoloration will likely resolve altogether with time.