Hematoma in Breast - Will It Clear Up on Its Own?

Postoperative bleeding and resultant hematoma formation
can occur with any cosmetic breast procedure. When this situation arises, the
management of hematomas is dependent upon a multitude of variables. The type of
breast procedure, the location of the hematoma, the size of the hematoma, and
the presence of an implant are all extremely important factors.

The significance of hematomas in patients who have
undergone breast lift or breast reduction surgery is often dependent upon the
size of the hematoma. When hematomas are small it’s not unusual for them to
resolve on their own without treatment. Under these circumstances the vast
majority of patients heal without residual deformities.

Large hematomas may require surgical drainage. When
untreated, these hematomas may become encapsulated and form a firm mass. In
some cases, untreated hematomas can result in excess scarring and distortion of
the breasts. For this reason large hematomas should be surgically drained
whenever possible,

When hematomas develop following breast augmentation
surgery, significant secondary complications can occur. Under these
circumstances undrained hematomas can result in pain, breast distortion,
capsular contractures, implant displacement, and infection. For this reason,
hematomas following breast augmentation should be drained as soon as possible.

If you’ve developed a hematoma following cosmetic breast
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.

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.

Unfortunately, without a complete history and physical exam and through pre operative photography there is not enough information to make an informed plan, please consult your surgeon or another local board certified plastic surgeon

My preference is to surgically evacuate any hematomas of significance around a breast implant.  Studies show a much higher rate of capsular contractures later, if this is not done.

Expanding hematomas which threaten wound integrity or vascularity with impending exposure have to be treated. Treatment of a stable hematoma is more controversial with some surgeons opting for evacuation to minimize risks of capsular contracture or organized clot whereas other prefer observation with thoughts of resorption and minimizing repeated implant exposure.