Is my surgeon at fault for this displacement and capsular contracture of my right breast?

Question

I had a breast augmentation about 2 months ago. The night after the surgery, I was in incredible pain and I woke up the next morning with a large hematoma from bleeding above my right breast. I immediately had to go in for a 2nd surgery the next day to stop the bleeding. That mightve created a pocket because my implant is now too high and never dropped and is experiencing some capsular contracture. I have to have a 3rd surgery on it in December and have to pay for anesthesia. Is my ps at fault??

Peter J. Capizzi, MD · Answer

Any surgical complication is disappointing and no one wants to see this happen. That said, we all - surgeon and patient - recognize there is risk with all surgery. Regarding your experience, know that  capsular contracture is not caused by any one person. In your case, a hematoma occurred with an elective surgery.  The hematoma was treated expeditiously - you were extremely proactive, as was your medical team. Nevertheless, contracture seems to have resulted. I know you are disappointed. In my view, the stated anesthesia fee is very reasonable. From what you've said, it appears that the surgeon is disappointed  too and is trying to ease the financial piece. Am I correct that there are no facility, surgical or implant fees?All the best to you in navigating what will hopefully be your final surgery on this issue.

James Southwell-Keely, MD, FRACS · Answer

I am sorry to hear your story.I think there are 2 questions here: 1. has the hematoma lead to an early capsule formation - almost certainly, and; 2. was the haematoma the fault of your surgeon - that is almost impossible to answer.Hematoma is a well described complication of breast augmentation surgery. Thankfully your surgeon responded quickly the rectify the problem.I wish you all the best with your upcoming procedure.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

A hematoma can happen and it is not the fault of your surgeon. Some of the problems you experienced may be related to the blood collection and may not.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about the complications you have experienced. Although frustrating, the complications you have experienced are not necessarily anyone's “fault”. You are correct in that one complication (such as bleeding) may have predisposed you to additional complications such as breast implant encapsulation and/or breast implant displacement. Charges such as facility and/or anesthesia fees are quite customary in most practices.Best wishes for an outcome that you are pleased with long-term.

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

No.These are known risks of breast implant operations, and I am quite sure if you were to look back at your consent from you will see them listed. The hematoma may be related as a causative factor for the contracture and asymmetric implant position. It sounds from your question like the surgeon is charging neither a professional nor operating room facility fee, and it seems like he/she is being quite fair.Best wishes.

Donald Nunn, MD (retired) · Answer

Your surgeon did the right thing by treating the hematoma.  Hematomas can occur with any surgeon and in any patient and does not mean things were done wrong.  Yes the hematoma probably contributed to the capsule that you now have but that was not due to your surgeon.  Complications can occur with surgery.  Donald R. Nunn MD  Atlanta Plastic Surgeon.

Is my surgeon at fault for this displacement and capsular contracture of my right breast?

Answers (6)

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