Bruising, Numbness After Breast Augmentation

Question

I recently got a breast augmentation, its been 9 days. My left implant has fallen into place I believe, and my right one is still very swollen and sore. I also have what I believe to be a hematoma on my right breast, almost on my ribs. The right side is swollen to my collar bone, and down my arm. I have a huge bruise to my right elbow from armpit, and the underneath of my arm has a numb feeling? Is this normal? Will the right breast be normal?

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

While numbness, swelling and some bruising is common after surgery, your photos appear that you may have developed a hematoma. Please see your surgeon as soon as you can for a physical examination to resolve this. Best of luck.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

It’s normal for patients to have bruising, swelling,
numbness and mild asymmetry following breast augmentation.  Unfortunately, your pictures strongly suggest
the presence of a right breast hematoma. 
When this situation arises, surgical intervention is usually always
indicated to avoid long term complications.

When
blood is left within the implant pocket following post-operative bleeding, the
wound healing process can be adversely affected.  Under these circumstances, undrained
hematomas can result in pain, breast distortion, capsular contracture, implant
displacement and infections.  For these
reasons, hematomas should be drained as soon as possible when they occur after
breast augmentation surgery.

If
you’ve developed a hematoma following breast augmentation surgery, it’s
important to consult your plastic surgeon as soon as possible.  Your surgeon should be able to formulate a
treatment plan that addresses your problem.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

From the appearance of your picture, it appears as if you will benefit from exploration and evacuation of the hematoma but other surgeons may be willing to treat this less aggressively with observation.

Ronald Levine, MD · Answer

That bruising I see in your photo should be examined by your surgeon. It seems quite extensive and may be a sign of a complication, like a hematoma. This can be corrected.

Michael M. Omidi, MD, FACS · Answer

It usually takes about 8-12
weeks for the wounds to heal and around 4-6 months for the implants to fully
settle.  You are still very early in recovery so pain, bruising and numbness is not uncommon.  However, your right breast appears to have hematoma, best to visit your plastic surgeon and have a full evaluation.  best of luck.   Dr. Michael Omidi

Bruising, Numbness After Breast Augmentation

Answers (9)

Answer: Extensive bruising

Answer: Extensive bruising

Answer: Bruising and Numbness

Answer: Bruising and Numbness

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Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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Bruising, Numbness After Breast Augmentation

Answers (9)

Answer: Extensive bruising

Answer: Extensive bruising

Answer: Bruising and Numbness

Answer: Bruising and Numbness

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.