How long does hematoma swelling from implants last?

Question

I receieved breast augmentation on Feb 28, 2 days later I had a hematoma in my right breast and went back in for surgery to remove it. That was March 2 and my right breast is still considerably larger and higher up than the other. Is this normal? How long does the swelling usually take to go down after a hematoma is removed?

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  A hematoma can be very mild or very pronounced in its presentation.  A mild one may induce slightly more swelling and increased bruising and will likely resolve on its own. A more severe hematoma can result in dramatic asymmetry in terms of swelling, feelings of light headedness due to loss of blood, severe bruising, and can be rapidly growing.  If you every experience the latter, then I would contact your surgeon immediately and if you have trouble, you may even go to the ER.  Larger hematomas often have to be surgically drained.  After drainage, your breast will remain swollen for much longer than the other side until all the bruising is also cleared.  I would estimate a few weeks for things to resolve.

Amy T. Bandy, DO, FACS · Answer

Hematoma after breast surgery can be very discerning.  After secondary surgery to evacuate the hematoma, you can remain more swollen than the other side for several weeks.  This is because of the repeated trauma to the tissues in that breast after 2 surgeries, as well as the possibility of  bruised tissues (blood that seeped into the breast tissues and not in the pocket of the breast implant).  The higher position of the implant may be due to the swelling, but it also may be because of the pocket itself.  You should follow closely with your surgeon to be sure that you are not developing a capsular contracture, or a secondary seroma or hematoma.

Joseph Mele, MD · Answer

Hematomas after breast augmentation occur less than 1% of the time. They most often occur shortly after surgery, and are usually painful. If you had a hematoma surgically treated two days after surgery, and it is now a few weeks later, the size of the (twice) operated breast may still be a little larger; however, it should be approaching the size of the unaffected breast.

	It would be good to check in with your plastic surgeon, and have them take a look, especially if it is still painful. You want to be certain that fluid is not accumulating around the implant. Post operative hematomas have been associated with a higher rate of capsular contracture. Capsular contracture tends to occur months to years after surgery.

David A. Bottger, MD · Answer

There can be some swelling in the breast tissues for several weeks after hematoma evacuation, which could be what you are experiencing. A recurrent hematoma is also possible. It would be best to have your surgeon examine you to make sure this is not the case.

Brent Moelleken, MD · Answer

Make sure to consult your surgeon again to make sure there is no further accumulation of fluid or blood in the pocket.

	Bleeding after surgery is a frequent cause of capsular contracture.

How long does hematoma swelling from implants last?

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Answer: Hematoma after breast augmentation

Answer: Hematoma after breast augmentation

Answer: Hardening after breast hematoma

Answer: Hardening after breast hematoma

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How long does hematoma swelling from implants last?

Answers (10)

Answer: Hematoma after breast augmentation

Answer: Hematoma after breast augmentation

Answer: Hardening after breast hematoma

Answer: Hardening after breast hematoma

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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