Bruises 4 weeks after breast augmentation surgery? (Photo)

Question

I am 4 weeks post breast augmentation surgery and still have bruises from the tape. Is that normal for bruises to take such a long time to heal? Besides that, my breasts look and feel great

S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS · Answer

From the photograph you sent of your excellent breast augmentation, I seriously doubt at this point that you have a problem.Small blood collections (non hematomas) in the subcutaneous tissue often take weeks to migrate to the skin.  Since the migrations usually occur downward and not upward because of gravity and the normal flow of lymphatics in that part of the body, I suspect you have delayed bruising to the upper part of your breasts.  This bruising in my experience takes a long time to dissipate.  If you were my patient, I would treat this bruising with topical DMSO which opens choke vessels leading to an increased number of white blood cells to any given area which hastens the elimination of bruises.  I highly recommend you discuss your concerns with your personal plastic surgeon.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Bruising is normal and to be expected following any surgery.  Some individuals have no bruising, some have a little, and some have quite a bit; it is unpredictable. Bruising from the tape appears to be dissipating.  If it does not fade within a few days, phone your plastic surgeon's office.
Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles, CA

Dana Goldberg, MD · Answer

Most patients should have no bruising after breast augmentation, and those that do usually only have it for a week or two. That said, every once in a while someone will have bruising that takes a longer time to go away. I suspect your  bruising was from bleeding during or right after the surgery since I can't see how tape would cause a bruise this large. I would check in with your surgeon to make sure he or she thinks it is ok. Even if things look and feel fine now, if there is any blood around the implant, it can increase your long term risk of capsular contracture.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

HI there, Thank you for your question. It is not normal for a bruise to last 4 weeks, you may want to consider checking in with your surgeon. Best, realdrsix

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

In my experience, it's not common to have bruising four weeks after breast augmentation surgery. I recommend that you check in with your surgeon so her or she can examine you. Good luck. For more information on this and similar topics, I recommend a plastic surgery Q&A book like "The Scoop On Breasts: A Plastic Surgeon Busts the Myths."

David Bogue, MD · Answer

Bruising from the tape that is still persistent at 4 weeks is a bit long. Follow up with your surgeon. Most likely it's just an extended time however a hematoma should be excluded.

Kenneth Sumida, MD · Answer

Your results look great.  The bruises are turning yellow which is the final phase of your body destroying the red blood cells.  This phase usually takes about 1 week before you see an improvement.   If you left it alone, you will see improvements over the next week or so.    I find that massaging and using warm compresses helps to speed up the process.

Joel M. Stewart, Jr., MD · Answer

Though bruising like you have is uncommon, it is not unheard of. These can take some time to disperse after surgery.
Continue to be patient. 
Congratulations on an excellent result!

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Very unusual. Best to seek a dermatologist whom had non invasive color lasers to treat the bruise caused tattooing. It might take 4 sessions to lighten with these lasers. BTW "NO sun exposure for a year on your chest!">

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Congratulations on your breast augmentation.  I must say the following to the long time for bruises to persist.  Typically such bruising is gone by 2-3 weeks.  However you do not seem to be in any distress her result looks excellent so I doubt a significant problem.  However it is always best to check with your surgeon for an examination and opinion.

Bruises 4 weeks after breast augmentation surgery? (Photo)

Answers (10)

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