I had a lot of bruising on my left rib cage and under the breast. Could this be causing my left breast to stay hard and swollen?

Question

I am 2 weeks post op, 5'3 117 lbs. had Sientra 375 moderate plus textured... and I still have the bruising. It looks like its breaking up very little. My ribs and sternum are still tender. I've been icing, applying and orally taking arnica. My right seems to be softening while the left is staying more stiff. There's not much difference visibly, just to the touch. Can trauma around the breast affect its healing?

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

Though it is too early after surgery to develop capsular contracture (CC), excessive bruising on one side can be a sign that you had more bleeding around that breast or within the pocket, which can slow the healing process (the resorption or "breaking up" of your bruising) and lead to eventual scar fibrosis or increased capsule thickness and tightening on that side (capsular contracture).This is why it is important to follow-up with your surgeon, rather than waiting to simply "let it heal on its own." Some bruises are of no concern, such as small ones around your incision, but others are the tip-off that there was enough bleeding in the pocket to show up externally. This can certainly lead to "tender and stiff" and may be significant if it is substantially different from the other side. You are wise to understand this distinction, and yes, this can affect your result if it stimulates CC.Proper care would be to follow-up with your surgeon to make sure that there is no hematoma on that side which should be drained surgically. Wrapping your chest with an Ace bandage or tight surgical bra and hoping ice and time will reabsorb all the blood without problem is wishful thinking. If blood is identified, surgical evacuation, rinsing of the pocket, and consideration of Singulair therapy is what I would consider. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Joe Gryskiewicz, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Jen,It is common to have differences from one side to the other.  So from that stand point there is no cause for alarm.  Many patients develop some bruising, but you want to keep your surgeon in the loop to rule out any abnormal bleeding.  Tenderness around the sternum and ribs is normal, also.  Congratulations on obtaining Sientra textured. Sientra is the only implant
company who has a warrantee (C3 Program) if you develop a capsule after
receiving their textured implants.  They have a special process which
makes the  texture.  This implant shell is unavailable
elsewhere.  Follow up is important for you so you don't care for yourself with on line answers.  All the best, "Dr. Joe"

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

At two weeks swelling and some bruising may be normal. The best thing to do would be to see your surgeon to be evaluated properly.

I had a lot of bruising on my left rib cage and under the breast. Could this be causing my left breast to stay hard and swollen?

Answers (3)

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I had a lot of bruising on my left rib cage and under the breast. Could this be causing my left breast to stay hard and swollen?

Answers (3)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Sientra Breast Implants

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