I developed a hematoma and my left lung collapsed the day of my BA procedure, what are my next steps?

Hi christinahall18, I am sorry to hear about the complications that you are experiencing. It is best that you follow your plastic surgeon's advice on post op care and management for faster healing and recovery. Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery

Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery

Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Thank you for your question and sorry to read about your complications following your procedure.  Without reviewing notes from your particular procedure, it is difficult for me to comment regarding post-procedure recommendations.  Best to follow the specific instructions given to you by your plastic surgeon.  Best of luck.

Both of these complications are unusual and unfortunate. Once I have placed a drain, I will leave it in place until the drainage is 10 cc or less for two consecutive 8 hour periods. I would then encourage you to consider exercises to manually manipulate your implant to help minimize your chances of developing a capsular contracture,

Sorry to hear of your unusual complications. Drains are usually removed when the drainage is decreasing and less than 30cc in 24 hours. 

Sorry to hear about this complicated course. Hematoma is uncommon but has happened to most plastic surgeons on rare occasion after breast augmentation. Pneumothorax (collapsed lung) is a much rarer complication. Good that it was recognized and treated quickly. Many surgeons use a threshold of 30cc or so per 24 hours of fluid drainage, and usually like to see it looking lighter (like pink lemonade to apple juice rather than tomato juice or fruit punch) before removing a drain, but you need to check with your surgeon on his/her protocol. Drains do not prevent hematomas; they are used to evacuate fluid, seal deadspace in the tissue, and identify if bleeding or additional fluid production is continuing. Infection risk is certainly a consideration, and many surgeons would cover you with antibiotics while the drain is in place, given that it has some communication with the implant pocket. If you are uncertain about your surgeon's advice, you may consider getting a second opinion with another surgeon (though you should expect to pay a consultation fee for that). Good luck to you!

Thank you for your question. Sorry to hear that you have this complication and is rare. I recommend you to follow instructions from your PS at this period of healing as he or she will know exactly how you are healing. Good luck

I'm sorry that you are having issues after your surgery.  This is a very rare occurrence and one that needs to be coordinated specifically with your surgeon.  He/She is most familiar with the details of your surgery and what has occurred during recovery.  

Your surgeon is your best resource and will manage you.  Generally I recommend removal of drains once the amount has been 30cc or less over 24hours, for at least two consecutive days.  The drains don't prevent a hematoma, so keeping them in for that purpose is illogical, but you do have to be careful while removing them to avoid triggering bleeding.  Hope this helps!

Hi and welcome to our forum.
I'm sorry that you suffered from the rare complication of pneumothorax after breast augmentation. The presence of a chest tube irritates the lining of the lung enough to produce a small amount of fluid. Usually when the drainage decreases to 30-40 cc, the tube can be removed, but there are circumstances where the tube may be left in longer. Follow the advice of your surgeon!
Best wishes.