How long for a hematoma after breast implant removal to absorb?

Question

Hi, I had my breast implants removed 3 weeks ago and had drains in for 5 days. My right breast has had more fluid from day one and maybe shouldn't have removed the drain so early. Now it's 3 weeks later and my PS would like to wait and see if my body absorbs. He doesn't want to aspirate because of infection risk and it just coming right back. He possibly wants to go back in to surgery in about a month and clean it out. Is it possible for my body to absorb this? How long would it take?

David J. Wages, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos.  This all depends upon how large of hematoma and how much work was done during the first surgery.  A small hematoma can absorb and resolve in a few weeks.  The larger a hematoma the likely it will not completely absorb and will leave significant scar.  If your surgeon is contemplating return to surgery it may be that they feel it is too large to resolve without surgery.  Keep in touch with your surgeon and follow their advice.  Good luck.

Michael J. Brown, MD · Answer

Hi,

Thanks for posting your question. I am happy to try and help you. It is
important to remember that a board certified plastic surgeon will be your best
resource when it comes to an accurate assessment of your situation, and
concerns.

Having said that, bruising is not uncommon after breast  implant removal. Sometimes
as the blood settles to the bottom of the surgery pocket it works its way via
gravity to some place on the chest or abdomen. However, the size of the breast with simple bruising will not increase. An increase in the size of the breast implies that a fluid has collected in the breast.If the breast capsules were removed, the breast implant removal is a difficult surgery and has a complicated recovery.If this fluid has collected early after surgery, it is most likely blood and should be promptly drained. If the fluid has collected slowly and not in the first few hours to day, then it may be a different type of fluid that the body will leak when it is injured. If drains were placed and the drainage went from thick red to light red, to pink to clear yellowish, then the drains can be removed. If they are removed when still draining red, then the internal fluid may be blood despite being days to weeks out from surgery. Fluid will typically remain like a waterbed, blood over time will become thick and hard. So if the breast is soft it may still be a fluid collection, which can easily be and should be drained using a needle. If all the fluid is clear and can be aspirated, then a pressure dressing using ace wraps can be used to apply compression to the area and prevent additional fluid from recollecting. I do not see any benefit in delaying the evaluation of what type of fluid may be collecting. This is not something you want to play Ostrich with.

Best wishes,

Dr. Michael J. Brown 
Northern Virginia Plastic Surgeon

Alan M. Engler, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

There's no absolute answer to this and you should, of course, remain under the care of your own surgeon for this.Assuming that you don't have implants (different issue for someone who has a hematoma WITH a breast implant in place) you can, in theory, try to let it resorb on its own.  For a smaller hematoma that may be a few weeks.  As long as the tissues are getting softer each day and there are no other problems you can, in theory, treat it expectantly (ie, let it heal on its own).However, for a larger hematoma, it is better to evacuate it both to speed the healing process and to decrease the likelihood of additional scar tissue forming as a result of the blood in the space.  You can also have an ultrasound to try to assess the amount of blood/fluid still in the cavity and possibly to undergo a guided drainage.Deciding which is the appropriate course is beyond the scope of this forum so I apologize for not being able to help you with that.  I hope that this helps nevertheless, and good luck,Dr. Alan EnglerMember of #RealSelf100

How long for a hematoma after breast implant removal to absorb?

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How long for a hematoma after breast implant removal to absorb?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.