Breast Implant Hematoma - Signs, Causes, and Treatment

A hematoma is a collection of blood in any part of the body. A bruise, for example, is a mild hematoma. Because breast augmentation is a surgery just like any other, you can expect to see some bruising, as blood collects around the broken capillaries and around the incision. This is no cause for alarm. In rare cases, however, woman experience a more severe hematoma under the implant itself. Most doctors require their patients to come in for an evaluation to determine what can be done about this problem.

Signs

Because there is some discomfort, swelling, and pain during the first few weeks after a breast augmentation, some women ignore the signs of hematoma, thinking them to be simply part of the typical healing process. The signs of hematoma are, however, not typical. Severe swelling and pain are two of the first signs that blood is collecting under the implant. While there will be some natural swelling and pain as the body adjusts to the implant, both should dissipate in the days and weeks after surgery and when patients follow the surgeon’s post-operative instructions. When pain does not lessen with pain killers, that is an indication of a problem. A greatly enlarged breast, beyond the size of the implant and beyond normal swelling, is also cause for concern. Other signs include severe darkening of the skin around the implant. It will look like a massive bruise and it will not fade with time.

Causes

Hematoma occurs when the body has been through trauma. Surgery is considered a trauma, even if it is elective. Because an incision has been made and a foreign object has been introduced to the body, the body may not respond well. Anytime a blood vessel or artery is damaged, there is the possibility that it will begin to leak and cause a hematoma. Any damage to the breast area will cause some leakage, but it is only a serious problem when blood begins to pool beneath the breast.

Treatment

If a woman experiences the signs and symptoms of a hematoma, it is imperative that she make an appointment with her surgeon immediately. The most common treatment for hematoma is a draining technique, where a tube is inserted beneath the implant, and the pooling blood is suctioned out. This will reduce the pain and swelling.

If the hematoma is small, however, it may be left in the body, where, through the natural healing process, it will clear away. If there is any concern about the existence of a hematoma, patients should contact their doctor immediately. The presence of too much blood in one area can affect the healing process and the results of the breast augmentation procedure. If not properly treated, the hematoma can cause further damage and even harm the implant itself.

To learn more about the risks of hematoma after breast augmentation, and how these risks can be minimized, contact Jefferson Plastic Surgery. The surgeons will provide you with post-operative instruction to reduce the risk of complications after surgery.