What Are Signs of a Hematoma After Breast Augmentation?

The signs of a hematoma are often very obvious and dramatic in appearance.  A patient would want to watch out for are swelling (rapid), extensive bruising and significant, constant or worsening pain as these are the three warning signs for a post-operative hematoma.  If you are concerned that you might have developed a post-operative hematoma, I would strongly recommend immediate follow up with your operating surgeon as these typically require quick surgical intervention to prevent the development of secondary complications. With that said, following a breast augmentation with sub-muscular placement, a patient should expect some swelling and discomfort that is often asymmetric in severity.  Often this discomfort is more prominent on the patient's more dominant (handed) side than the other, but follow up with your operating surgeon is always recommended.  I hope this helps!

A hematoma is a collection of blood within the surgical site. Patients may notice sudden swelling or enlargement of the breast, accompanied by pain or discomfort. The affected breast may also appear bruised or have a bluish discoloration. Additionally, there might be tightness or a feeling of pressure in the breast. If any of these symptoms manifest after breast augmentation, it's imperative to seek immediate medical attention from your plastic surgeon, as timely intervention can prevent further complications.

Breast augmentation by placing the implant under the muscle can be simple procedure and quite often both breast do not settle at the same time. The swelling takes time to settle down and the implants also take time to drop down. Both implants drop at different rates. A hematoma can be a surgical emergency and is often picked up the treating team and dealt with. Again both breast implants can have different degree of post operative pain after surgery.

Hello there, this is a good question. If there is a signifiant size discrepancy, I would see your plastic surgeon as soon as possible to rule out a hematoma. When there is a hematoma, it will be fairly obvious and sometimes surgical intervention is required to prevent further complications. Minor asymmetries may result in swelling and ice packs and wearing a mermaid strap may be advantageous for you.

Signs of a hematoma after breast augmentation include a sudden increase in breast size that happens usually in one side. 

Signs of a hematoma may include progressively increasing size of breast, pain, firmness, and, maybe, excessive bruising.  It is not uncommon to have one side feel more swollen/tender.  You may be sleeping on your left side during the night, which is causing fluid to accumulate more on the left with gravity pulling fluid to that side. It would be more reassuring if the pain/swelling improve throughout the day as you're out and about.  Regardless, you should be following up with your surgeon to discuss these concerns.