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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

It is somewhat unusual to suddenly develop a hematoma at two months post op but it's possible.  In general, the natural history of a smaller hematoma (ie, one that does not require a return to the operating room) is that is should liquefy over time, and either be absorbed by the body, or aspirated, or both.  Massage is an appropriate component of the care, so using a tennis ball is not inconsistent with some of the principles.  I would not be overly concerned with sensory issues at this point, since you have an ongoing problem and it should get better on its own as the problem resolves.As long as it is stable and, hopefully, getting better, however slowly, the treatment sound adequate.  If the swelling increases or you develop systemic problems (fever, chills, sweats, etc) more directed intervention may be necessary.I hope that this helps and good luck,Dr. Alan EnglerMember of RealSelf100