Post Breast Augmentation, my side bruising is getting darker down the belly, and pinching pain in just one breast? (Photo)

Question

The bruising has only progressively gotten worse. Photos. I've read this happens due to gravity and may be okay, but the degree to which the bruise has gotten dark and purple seems alarming. Will this travel DOWN my leg too? I have pinching pain in only the right breast. mostly the bottom part. Every ~30sec. Not too extreme (tho im on tylenol) but not the left side. The right breast does look slightly larger. Not extreme so perhaps not hematoma but the sharp, shooting pinching pain feels odd.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your question and photos. If your painful breast appears bruised like this as well then you should see your Plastic Surgeon in person to be assessed. Otherwise the colour and progression of this makes sense given your time since surgery. It will likely turn brownish then yellow before resolving. Topical Arnica gel can help.All the best

Michele A. Shermak, MD · Answer

Hello. When bruising occurs, it is typical for the bruising to head downward and the purple look may take some days to resolve - will go to brown/yellow. This will not go down your leg. You should definitely see your surgeon for postoperative evaluation to assess the possibility of a breast hematoma - which would need to be addressed. For local management of the bruise, topical Arnica montana works very well.

Sean Doherty, MD, FACS · Answer

Bruising is normal after surgery. Your photos show a bruise that is following what we'd call a "normal" progression. However, is the bruise also on your breast? If so, you should be examined by your surgeon. Also, if the bruise on your side gets worse not better (meaning it will turn brown and then yellow), see your surgeon. Best of luck.

Sanjiv Kayastha, MD · Answer

The best thing to do is to call your surgeon and discuss your symptoms with them. They may want to see you. An exam is the only way to know for certain what is going on. Some bruising following surgery can be normal. Your pictures show a pretty normal progression of a resolving bruise. The pinching pain you describe can be normal as well but an exam is needed. Please contact your surgeon.

Emily Clarke-Pearson, MD · Answer

It is quite common for one side to be slightly more painful/sore than the other in the early healing period after breast augmentation surgery. Minor asymmetries are also normal. If the pain gets worse, or the swelling gets more dramatic, that would be more worrisome for a hematoma or infection. 
The bruising down your flanks can happen due to gravity - it looks like you have it on both sides. This should resolve in a week or so. Regardless, you should see your surgeon for a post op visit. He or she can check for a hematoma and make sure there is no major problem. 
Best,
Dr. Emily

Raymond Jean, MD · Answer

I would recommend seeing your surgeon as soon as possible This amount of bruising after breast augmentation is not typical . While you may be fine it could represent a hematoma that is tracking from the breast. Best of Luck.

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

Progressive bruising and pain after breast augmentation requires an exam by your plastic surgeon to rule out a hematoma.

Jagruti Patel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Hello, As many of mentioned the bruising is normal and can move down your body due to gravity. i often recommend to my patients a cream or gel with arnica montana. It is an herbal medication and can be found at any pharmacy and will help the bruising resolve quicker. Just rub into the the skin twice a day and it will help.

The pain that you are experiencing is nerve related. the 4th intercostal nerve runs from  laterally  into the breast. It was probably bruised during the surgery which is common.  If you are experiencing sharp shooting pain that comes and goes then this is the nerve regenerating. After 3 months if this is still occurring then refer back to your surgeon. It is common to experience this on one side and not the other.

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