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Should I Worry About Hematoma? Should It Be Treated?

asked 1 year ago by Asian Mom in Israel
Latest answer by David Finkle, MD
Question viewed 3,184 times
Tags: silicone implant, 300-349cc, hematoma, Mentor, moderate plus profile, textured

I had BA 2 weeks ago (Mentor textured silicone implants, 300cc mod+ prof). Immediately following surgery I retained a lot of water around my abdomen and had a lot of bruising around my breasts. Some of the blood migrated to the left side of my abdomen, which is now finally disappearing. However it's taking a lot longer in my breasts, especially the left. It used to be my smaller breast-now it's very slightly bigger and firmer than the right. Last week, my PS told me it would heal naturally.

12 answers to Should I Worry About Hematoma? Should It Be Treated?

No Hematoma

It does not appear that you have a hematoma, but you do have extensive bruising. You did the right thing by following up with your PS. Try placing ice bags on and around your breasts to decrease the bruising and pain. Frozen bags of vegetables work great for icing. Purchase 6-8 large bags of vegetables, corn or peas work best, broccoli and cauliflower are too lumpy. Place them in a large freezer bag and drape them completly over the breast. When the... more

David Finkle, MD
Omaha Plastic Surgeon

Extensive bruising after breast augmentation

That is a lot of bruising on both of your breasts for 2 weeks out from surgery. Bruising simply from the trauma of surgery (which should be minimal for 300 cc implants plased through an inframammary approach!) should be slight if not nonexistent. Hematoma left around implants will predispose you to capsular contracture. Consider a second opinion.

Douglas J. Mackenzie, MD
Santa Barbara Plastic Surgeon

www.pacificplasticsurgery.com

Hematoma after Breast Augmentation

Your surgeon would be able to easily diagnose a hematoma. Symptoms are typically moderate to severe swelling and pain on one side, not symmetric bruising with one side slightly more swollen.

Hayley Brown MD
Henderson Plastic Surgeon

Breast implants and hematomas

You do have a lot of bruising and it is normal for the discoloration of bruising to migrate according to gravity while it changes color and finally resolves. You may or may not have a hematoma but the good thing is that all of the skin looks healthy and you do not sound like you have much pain. Expanding hematomas cause pain and affect the overlying skin. 2 weeks is still a bit early.

Aaron Stone, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Hematoma after Augmentation

Without the benefit of an exam or additional photos, it appears that you do not have a hematoma; but you do have a significant amount of bruising. The migration that describe of the eccymosis descending into the abdomen is normal and is due to gravity. Hematomas do rarely occur following an augmentation and should be treated promptly.

John Whitt, MD
Louisville Plastic Surgeon

Breast hematoma vs bruising

You seem to be unusually bruised for a BA but equally so on each side and the two sides look comparable in size indicating that you probably don't have a significant hematoma. It looks like just extensive bruising which should resolve spontaneously but keep in close touch with your surgeon to be sure.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Hematoma versus bruising.

Since you have bruising on the right as well, it is more likely ecchymosis than a hematoma. IF you remain concerned, possibly as your surgeon to get an ultrasound alhough this may require more out-of-pocket expoenses.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Breast augmentation

This looks more like bruising than a hematoma. Not draining a hematoma can result can lead to an infection, implant malposition, additional scarring, and others.

Shahin Javaheri, MD
San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

Is it a hematoma?

The main question is it a hematoma or just excess bruising.If it is a hematoma then it should be drained.If it is not drained the incidence of a hard breast reulting is quite significant.How do I know it is a hematoma? If your breast is swollen,hard and painful it is likely a hematoma.

Robert Brueck, MD
Fort Myers Plastic Surgeon

Hematoma and Breast Augmentation

Hematoma most definitely should be treated by removal. Hematoma may lead to an unfavorable outcome after your surgery. Hematoma may lead to infection and possible internal scarring (capsular contracture). Dr. ES

Earl Stephenson Jr., MD, DDS
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Bruising CAN Lead To CONTRACTURE Over Time

From your pictures, there appears to be more bruising then I would feel comfortable leaving around the implant. With that amount, there is a good chance that there is blood around the implants as well. That can then irritate the tissues over time and potentially make the scar capsule around the implants thicker. It will probably resolve on its own if you leave it alone and just use ice packs, but the real question is what will the damage cause long term? That is... more

Christopher V. Pelletiere, MD
Barrington Plastic Surgeon

Hematoma and Breast Augmentation

You do seem to have a considerable amount of bruising after this procedure. However, as noted , it does appear to be symmetrical and more bruising into the soft tissues then an actual collection or hematoma. A hematoma more likely would present with a larger, more tender breast on one side. Close followup with your surgeon would certainly be helpful for further diagnosis and treatment as a hematoma should not be left untreated if present.