hematoma after breast reduction? (photo)

Question

I had breast reduction surgery 4 weeks ago. I am thrilled with the results. However, I had really bad bruising on my right side under my arm and have now got sore lumpy patches. My surgeon has aspirated each time he has seen me, but they are still painful and hard. How long will they take to resolve, and is there anything I can do to hasten the process?

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Thank you for your picture.  Aspiration of this area at 4 weeks out from surgery is not going to yield very much.  The healing process must deal with this area now.  Time is going to be the best treatment

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

If you have has aspirations and there is no further fluid to remove then it would be about the right time to start massaging this. I would probably ultrasound the area to look at the area just to confirm the consistency but it is likely at this point that this would be managed conservatively. This will settle although it can take a number of months. I would stay in contact with your PS and ask about massage or any non surgical treatments he/she could offer to reduce swelling.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

If you're still having aspirations, its more likely a seroma and not true hematoma.  Your surgeon can tell you exactly what it is.  If benign in nature, it will get better with time.  If not, it will persist and your surgeon will have to figure out the best way to deal with this.

hematoma after breast reduction? (photo)

Answers (3)