How Do I Know if I Have an Infection or Hematoma After Breast Implant Surgery?

In short, your symptoms could be any of the three that you mentioned.  Hematoma is generally accompanied by bruising, and your affected breast will be larger than the unaffected one.  Infection may or may not be associated with fever.  I generally ask my patients to begin breast massage soon after implant placement.  There is some evidence that this can help reduce the occurrence of capsular contracture.  Additionally, Accolate or Singular may contribute to the avoidance of capsular contracture.  It would be wise to see your doctor ASAP.  He or she will be able to diagnose this with a good physical exam and possibly labs. If these issues are addressed early, they are inconsequential, but the longer time between diagnosis and treatment, the worse the outcome.

This is best answered by your Operating Surgeon. This is a question he/she needs to deal with now. Hematoma and infection have different signs and symptoms. Your Surgeon will be able to tell

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.If you are having fever and chills as well as swelling of the breast, then this could be sign of infection rather than hematoma.  I would visit with your plastic surgeon who can better assess your situation.

Both concerns are possibilities.  For that reason, it would require the expertise of a surgeon, preferably your own, and a physical examination. 

This may be a tough diagnosis to make and I understand your anxiety over the matter. I would remain in close contact with your surgeon and his /her staff.