I agree that this story is a little confusing, but an ultrasound to evaluate the fluid is often helpful if there is still a large amount there. I normally favor draining the fluid to prevent an infection and possible capsular contracture. If you are not receiving a good explanation of what's going on, you could see another surgeon in the area for evaluation and another opinion. Good luck, /nsn.
It would seem unlikely that you have a hematoma as both breasts are relatively the same size and shape. If unsure see your plastic surgeon for a follow up examination. A small hematoma will resolve on its own a larger hematoma must be drained to prevent future complications.
Thank you for your question. A hematoma can be very mild or very pronounced in its presentation. A mild one may induce slightly more swelling and increased bruising and will likely resolve on its own. A more severe hematoma can result in dramatic asymmetry in terms of swelling, feelings of light headedness due to loss of blood, severe bruising, and can be rapidly growing. If you every experience the latter, then I would contact your surgeon immediately and if you have trouble, you may even go to the ER. Larger hematomas often have to be surgically drained.
In your situation, your swelling could also be a seroma (inflammatory fluid). If the size and swelling is steadily decreasing in size, then it is reasonable to continue observing. Otherwise, it may need to be drained.
Don't feel bad about getting a second opinion. Any risk of draining the fluid or removing it surgically, especially if it is a hematoma, is negligible compared to the risk of doing nothing. Just leaving it there will be a set up for future complications like capsular contracture, especially with an untreated hematoma which will turn into a fibrotic mass of scar tissue.
Evacuation is the ONLY way to correctly treat a hematoma, especially after breast implants. I would want to drain the area due to the risk of infection not to try an avoid it. Get another opinion NOW! I
Wow this is one of the most interesting situations I've hear of yet. First I'm baffled by why your surgeon when back in at 5 weeks. If I have any concerns I wouldn't consider going back in until 6-8 months later. The breasts need to heal before any revision is considered.
The mass you have needs to be opened up and cleaned out. The risk of infection is high with any fluid collection around the implant so it needs to be removed.
My advise, find another surgeon who understands what needs to be done.
The whole story is both confusing and suspect. I am not sure why a surgeon would "bump up" implant size a mere 5 weeks after the augmentation risking operation through inflamed tissue and when facing a seroma / hematoma would risk an abscess or capsular contracture by not getting a diagnostic study (such as an ultrasound) with possible needle guided drainage.
This is not what most of us would do. There must be more to this than has been shared.
You have described possible hematoma and if it is not removed ,you willl have capsular contracture. Please discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon and if he is not ready to treat and remove the hematoma/seroma then seek second opnion. You will need to have full explortion and hematom /seroma removal as soon as possible.
What you are describing is most unusual. The early implant change is strange, the fluid collection isn't normal etc. I'd agree that an ultrasound would be helpful and the fluid should be draine under almost all circumstances. Maybe visit another doctor in your area for a second opinion.
Web reference:
http://www.randcosmeticsugery.com
This is a difficult problem to diagnose over the internet and it is hard to second guess the treating physician but based on your description, I would be compelled to drain the collection. One non-invasive option is to obtain an ultrasound to evaluate the mass. While it is possible that an exploration or treatment will result in possible infection, the alternative of not treating could lead to a higher rate of capsular contracture.
