What are the signs off having hematoma? What do you do to prevent it from developing?

Question

I’m nervous about my healing process n developing hematoma!!!

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your question. There are many precautions that your plastic surgeon will take to prevent unnecessary bleeding and likely instructions for you as well regarding activities and medication post op. I recommend that you talk with your surgeon about what you should avoid to prevent hematomas. Certain blood thinners and vigorous activity or impact on the breasts could cause damage. This complication is quite rare and will usually present with extreme, one-sided swelling, firmness and pain. Let your surgeon know if you have any concerns. All the best

Christian Subbio, MD · Answer

If you are concerned you may have a hematoma, you should be contacting your surgeon immediately.  If you're preoperative and has not had surgery yet, hematoma is simply a blood collection that manifest as bruising, asymmetric swelling, and pain.  Discuss this further with your surgeonBest of luck!
Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

Vaishali B. Doolabh, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi. Hematomas, or focal collections of blood, can develop after surgery slowly or suddenly, at any point after surgery.  Controlling bleeding is not just a technical maneuver for the surgeon, but directly related to allowing for a small plug on the end of the injured vessel to mature.  The use of blood thinners (like NSAIDS containing aspirin, ibuprofen, motrin, or prescribed meds like Coumadin & xarelto) would obiviously increase the risk.  Increases in blood pressure and heart rate could mechanically disrupt the plug, so limiting activity and positions postoperatively is important. You will physically see focal swelling & with time, extensive bruising. If you are concerned that you have a hematoma, contact your surgeon right away. Best wishes,

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear tee.nisha06,In most cases the patient will complain of sudden increase in size of one breast, swelling, significant asymmetry, pain, tenderness, bruising, etc. Every plastic surgeon will do his best to try to prevent hematoma.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

John W. Menard, MD · Answer

Hematoma after breast augmentation is unusual but certainly can occur. Signs of hematoma include significant swelling, pain, bruising and asymmetry.Should this occur, it is an urgent matter. If there is any question of a hematoma you should contact your surgeon ASAP.

Reza Momeni, MD, FACS · Answer

Hematoma is when bleeding occurs after surgery and fills up the space where the surgeon operated.  A little bleeding and bruising is natural with every surgery, but if it's large, it can be a problem for healing and potentially lead to further issues.  Large hematomas will make the breasts very asymmetric, and be very painful.  Your surgeon should be checking you post-op for signs of hematoma.  Be sure to discuss your goals and concerns with your board certified plastic surgeon and consider the pros and the cons. Be certain your surgeon is properly certified.  I've attached a link where you can start your search.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Signs of a hematoma include pain, swelling and bruising usually more on one side than the other.  A hematoma is not common. Good luck.

Paul W. Papillion, MD · Answer

Hello, signs of a hematoma include increased size or swelling to the breast, increased pain and firmness, new and larger amounts of bruising under or around the breast, to name a few. It's pretty rare to have a hematoma after surgery. Good Luck.

Heather Rocheford, MD · Answer

First of all thank you for the question.  Hematoma can develop during the first 3 weeks post op.  The signs of a hematoma are significant swelling of the breast, it may progress over time.  Also, you may experience more pain, tenderness and bruising.  To help prevent a hematoma, you should discontinue any blood thinning medications for 2 weeks pre op and 2 weeks post op.  You should avoid all strenuous or repetitive upper arm activity, no lifting more that 10# because can increase our risk for hematoma and capsular contracture.  If you do develop a hematoma, this is a medical emergency, and  you should  contact your surgeon asap.  I hope this helps.  Best of Luck.

M. Bradley Calobrace, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello. Hope you are well. Hematomas can occur in the recovery phase, most commonly in the first 3 weeks. It can present as asymmetric swelling, in one of the breasts only. The affected side would be significantly more swollen than the other and could potentially increase in size as time progresses. It is an emergency and requires immediate medical attention. Signs of a hematoma could include severe pain, tightness, new onset asymmetric swelling, bruising, and firmness. Ways to prevent hematomas from occurring are to avoid blood thinning medications  2 weeks before surgery. After surgery, avoid any strenuous activities that would elevate heart rate or blood pressure. Examples include any exercise that elevates the heart rate, rigorous cleaning and/or excessive upper body movements. Make sure to follow  your surgeon's post-op instructions and reach out for any concerns. Hope this helps. Happy healing!

What are the signs off having hematoma? What do you do to prevent it from developing?

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