Hematoma Draining by Itself Through Incision. Worried About Infection?

Question

I had a breast lift (no augmentation) & developed a hematoma 2 weeks after surgery. An ultrasound revealed 21cc of blood in one breast. My PS said to let the hematoma resolve itself. However, yesterday I noticed that the breast is slowly draining drops of blood at the t incision. PS said to apply neosporin and apply gauze to area till bleeding stops. The strips are still in place. Will this compromise the incision healing or lead to an infection?

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Any substantial hematoma should be drained. Sometimes it will drain spontaneously through the incision and if this is adequate that may be all it is necessary.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

A small hematoma such as your should heal with out problems.  Once the hematoma drains your healing should be unaffected.   Continue to follow your plastic surgeon's advice.

Stephen Salerno, MBBS, FRACS · Answer

Hi

	This is a small haematoma and spontaneous drainage through the surgical incision is not uncommon.  It will stop when it has finshed draining.  You do need to keep an eye on the wound and ensure that it does not become red or omit an offensive discharge or have increasing pain, as this may signal infection.  If any of these signs appear then contact your surgeon immediately.

	Regards

	Stephen Salerno

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

I think most surgeons would recommend the same course of treatment as has your surgeon. 21 cc is really not a lot (four teaspoons), and is less than would justify any operative drainage. It is unlikely to cause problems with the incision's ultimate healing, nor is there a high risk of infection. Continue to follow up closely with your surgeon until all is resolved. Best wishes.

Hematoma Draining by Itself Through Incision. Worried About Infection?

Answers (4)

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