What is the best way to treat postoperative bleeding after breast implant removal without replacement?

Question

Please help- I'm currently 8 wks post op from breast implant removal surgery w/out replacement. I had 286cc silicone sub pectoral implants removed; capsules were thin and left intact. At 6 weeks post op, I noticed a bump on my left breast. PS confirmed that it's fluid build up. He aspirated the fluid (about 75 cc) and found that it contained blood. I had another round of aspiration yesterday and it was excruciating. PS wants to reoperate, remove capsule, and place drain in right breast. Agree?

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear of your issues since your surgery.  It sounds as if your surgeon gave the area appropriate time to heal on its own after surgery.  Since it hasn't it's best to go in and have the drain placed to help your body complete the healing process.  Best wishes.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about the complication you are experiencing. Yes, I think that your plastic surgeon is making good recommendations (I would recommend surgical intervention once a few attempts at aspiration have been unsuccessful).  Sometimes,  after breast implant removal surgery, fluid does not resorb unless some or all of the capsule tissue is removed.  In my practice ( assuming normal capsule,  non-ruptured silicone gel implants, and the absence of "medical concerns"), I  will remove at least a portion of the capsule (sometimes only a few  centimeters square) at the time of breast implant removal with the hope that the underlying lymphatics will help resorb fluid and prevent accumulation of serum or blood. Best wishes.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear back2naturalco,it is hard to tell for sure without an examination but it sounds like a good plan. If you are concerned, I would suggest you to consult another board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Susan Buenaventura, MD, FACS · Answer

I would agree with your surgeon.  It's fine to asiprate fluid but if it is painful for you and keeps coming back, the capsule may be contributing to this problem.  Removing the capsule or even most of the capsule should solve this issue.  The drain is necessary.  I also agree with his/her decision not to remove capsule if  it is thin and soft at the initial surgery.  It is usually not necessary if capsule is thin, but certainly the right approach now.

Jeanette Padgett, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your questions about implant removal although I am sorry to hear of your complication.   Since the fluid/blood is still present, I think your plastic surgeon is recommending appropriate surgery for you.   Best wishes to you for a good recovery.

What is the best way to treat postoperative bleeding after breast implant removal without replacement?

Answers (5)

Answer: Fluid build up after explant

Answer: Fluid build up after explant

Answer: What is the best way to treat postoperative bleeding after breast implant removal without replacement?

Answer: What is the best way to treat postoperative bleeding after breast implant removal without replacement?

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

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

What is the best way to treat postoperative bleeding after breast implant removal without replacement?

Answers (5)

Answer: Fluid build up after explant

Answer: Fluid build up after explant

Answer: What is the best way to treat postoperative bleeding after breast implant removal without replacement?

Answer: What is the best way to treat postoperative bleeding after breast implant removal without replacement?

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

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