Breast implant removal. Now swelling. Lymphedema?

Question

I had breast augmentation removal (under the breast crease) 13 days ago with capsulectomy. Had drains for 7 days then removed. I drained 30ml,18,10,10,6,3,1respectively in the LEFT breast so they were no longer necessary. 4 days after drains were removed LEFT breast started swelling under the armpit first, along the side of my back, side of breast now on top and under breast. Got an ultrasound done and radiologist said breast tissue is swollen with possible lymphedema. What to watch out for?

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

This early fluid after surgery where there was a drain is not lymphedema but seroma.  This sounds like the drain needs to be reinserted.

George Bitar, MD · Answer

Thank you for your swelling.  What you are describing probably represents Postop swelling but should be evaluated by your surgeon.

Thomas Fiala, MD, FACS, FRCSC · Answer

A seroma is a more likely explanation than lymphedema, unless you had some dissection performed in the axillary lymph node area.  Return to your surgeon for aspiration of this fluid.  This can be performed easily in the office with some local anesthesia and a syringe.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

I would suggest seeing your surgeon and let him/her check you. You may have a residual seroma, and it could be easily drained in the office.

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