Hematoma keep breast implant from dropping and fluffing: is this swelling normal? (Photos)

Question

As soon as I arrived home we realized that one side was super swollen compared to the other. I have 300cc implants under the muscle. Had my second surgery one week later. They drained 150cc of blood cleaned the pocket and sterilize the implant. Is it normal to have such swelling at 9-8 weeks after my surgery. Also that side has not dropped or flushed yet. Pec muscle is still really tight. swelling comes and goes just depends on what I do that day.

Shlomo Widder, MD · Answer

Dear Starr,   Thanks for posting your before and after pictures and sorry for your hematoma complication. From observing your post operative  pictures , you appear to have asymmetry as follows:1.Right breast larger. If you look at you before picture, the right breasts was larger as well, so you need larger implant on the left side.2. Right sub mammary crease higher than left, and that was in reverse before surgery.  Inferior capsulotomy (scar release ) of right sub mammary crease will correct it.3. Right breast cleavage is more protruding medially and the lateral pocket margin is tighter. Right lateral capsulotomy will correct it.4. Right upper pole fuller. Larger implant on the left side and the capsulotomies on the right side will correct this asymmetry.5. Right areola lower and both areolas are  large , uneven and redundant. Mini lift (donut, Benelli)  will give you perkier and more youthful looking breasts , as well as smaller and more attractive areolas.     Discuss it with your surgeon, but,  if the response is unsatisfactory, consult with other experienced board certified plastic surgeons who operate in accredited surgery center for your safety. Most importantly, check the before and after pictures of redo you breasts augmentation with mini lift in the photo gallery, to make sure that they are numerous, consistent and attractive with nice cleavage, perky, symmetrical and natural looking.                         Best of luck,                                         Dr Widder

Eduardo Ochoa, MD · Answer

Hello Star!! Thank you for your question and providing pictures

I´m sorry to hear about the hematoma, the swelling and discomfort is expected as you experienced this complication. It will take a little more time to heal and to return to normal compared to the other breast, since it had two surgeries and it was exposed to more tension, manipulation, and the blood itself is promotes inflammation (swelling and pain). But everything should be ok and it will drop and catch up to the other side given sufficient time, despite the hematoma I can already see that you will have a beautiful result, congratulations. Be sure to follow all the instructions given by your plastic surgeon and express all of your concerns.
I hope this helps, wish you the best.

S. Tyler Elkins-Williams, MD · Answer

Hi thanks for your question. I'm sorry you've had to go through more than the average breast augmentation patient on your road to recovery. I'm not surprised that the right side is still more swollen and taking longer to heal. Having the hematoma and second surgery sort of "reset the clock" and probably is contributing to delaying your recovery on that side. 
Make sure you continue to keep follow-up appointment with your surgeon. Only a good in-person evaluation and physical exam can help ensure that healing is progressing as expected. Don't be afraid to bring your concerns to your surgeon. I'd much rather know about issues my patients are experiencing than have them "suffer in silence!" Best of luck in your continued recovery.

Lawrence N. Gray, MD (retired) · Answer

It is not normal to still have swelling. You may also have a capsular contracture. You should see your surgeon.

Hematoma keep breast implant from dropping and fluffing: is this swelling normal? (Photos)

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Hematoma keep breast implant from dropping and fluffing: is this swelling normal? (Photos)

Answers (4)

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