What are signs of a hematoma 2 weeks after surgery?

Question

If a patient unfortunately acquires a hematoma a couple weeks after surgery what are the signs, or steps a doctor would take to diagnose that it is in fact a hematoma? Besides the patient being in uncontrollable pain that isn't changed by any amount of pain medicine and dramatic swelling/ displacement of the breast acquiring the hematoma how would a doctor know? Also once the doctor does believe it is a hematoma what does he/she do to treat it? And what happens if the Dr. doesn't treat it?

Mahlon Kerr, MD, FACS · Answer

Luckily a hematoma two weeks after surgery is very rare.  It typically presents as significant pain and swelling which occurs suddenly on only one side.  The treatment is surgery to stop the bleeding and remove the blood from around the implant.  Not treating the problem can lead to capsular contracture in some patients.

Christopher J. Davidson, MD, FACS · Answer

It is super important for a hematoma, if present, to be diagnosed and treated.  If you have a hematoma, some signs can include significantly increased and asymmetric pain in one breast, sudden enlargement of one breast, and even new bruising.  If it is not treated you are more likely to get a capsular contracture.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question...A surgeon will determine if a patient has a hematoma based on signs like a sudden increase in swelling, bruising and pain to one breast. The surgeon would have to evacuate the blood from the area. If you are concerned please speak to your surgeon.You can learn more on our social media (Instagram and Snapchat): @realdrsix.
  
Regards,

William T. Stoeckel, MD · Answer

The symptoms that would suggest a hematoma would be persistent bruising, localized or asymmetric swelling, and tenderness. The ways to diagnose for certain would be with an ultrasound or needle aspiration. If the hematoma is small, it might resolve on its own with just time, massage, and application of warm compresses. But if it is more significant, it should be evacuated and washed out.

Jeffrey K. Scott, MD · Answer

Fortunately breast hematomas are very uncommon after breast augmentation. When they occur it is usually only 1 to 2 days after the surgery, however it could occur 2 weeks later. A relatively sudden change with one side becoming suddenly larger and more painful would suggest a hematoma or other fluid collection. Other than a physical exam, sonography of the breast could help with the diagnosis. Certainly the treatment for a breast hematoma would be exploration of the implant pocket, evacuation of the blood and control of any ongoing bleeding. The outcome of not treating a hematoma is not good.

What are signs of a hematoma 2 weeks after surgery?

Answers (6)