2 months post op of Breast Reduction, I developed hematoma. I have been massaging it. Are there any other suggestions?

Question

My Breast Reduction was preformed on April 9, 2014 and I developed a hematoma (ping-pong ball sized?) in the right breast. My Dr. says to massage it and it will eventually break up. My problem is this - the sensation is all around WEIRD. It's numb still, and rubbing a lump that large and not feeling it absolutely creeps me out. My Dr. suggested taking a tennis ball and rolling it along the breast where the hematoma is. Are there any other suggestions?

M. Scott Haydon, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. If the hematoma is stable and a small size, then you should be okay without any intervention. I have patients massage and use a warm wash cloth...NOT A HEATING PAD. Since the area is numb you don't want to burn yourself. Best of Luck!

Michael Stefan, MD · Answer

At this point, your plastic surgeon should see it.  It may be fat necrosis and, as such, won’t go away.  The surgeon may have to take you back to the OR and have the lump removed.  If your surgeon is adamant about his diagnosis, then I would get a second opinion to make sure it is just a hematoma.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It is a bit unusual to have a delayed hematoma unless you suffered trauma. If you did not have bruising it could also be fat necrosis.  Best to follow closely with your surgeon.

Edward S. Gronka, MD · Answer

If it is continuing to improve, then it should resolve on its own. If there is no change an ultrasound may be helpful. Sometimes hematomas progress to seromas that can benefit from aspiration. Or they can be an area of fat necrosis which may require removal.

Ross Stutman, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. For small hematomas, such as the one you describe will usually resolve on there own. I recommend frequent follow up with your plastic surgeon to assure that the hematoma is not expanding, causing problems with compression of the skin, or becomes infected. Usually, the best treatment is to just let the body naturally reabsorb the hematoma. This may take several months. Best Regards,Dr. Stutman

2 months post op of Breast Reduction, I developed hematoma. I have been massaging it. Are there any other suggestions?

Answers (6)

Answer: Hematoma

Answer: Hematoma

Answer: Hematoma after Breast Reduction

Answer: Hematoma after Breast Reduction

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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2 months post op of Breast Reduction, I developed hematoma. I have been massaging it. Are there any other suggestions?

Answers (6)

Answer: Hematoma

Answer: Hematoma

Answer: Hematoma after Breast Reduction

Answer: Hematoma after Breast Reduction

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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