Signs Of Hematoma After Breast Augmentation
A hematoma is a common, normal complication after breast augmentation. It is an accumulation of blood underneath the skin and around the implant. The skin will appear bruised and red or blue, sometimes accompanied by swelling and tenderness. This can happen several hours or days after surgery, even though you may feel fine at the time your breast augmentation is performed. In this guide, we review the Signs Of Hematoma After Breast Augmentation, how do you treat a hematoma after breast augmentation, severe bruising after breast augmentation, and signs of infection after breast augmentation.
What is a breast hematoma?
A breast hematoma (pronounced “hee-mah-toe-mah”) is an accumulation of blood inside your breast. Like a bruise, breast hematomas occur following trauma to your breast. They can be superficial, under your skin or deeper in the breast tissue. Fortunately, most hematomas are transient and eventually dissolve on their own without therapy.
Hematomas can afflict anyone who receives an injury to their breast tissue. This injury can be due to trauma such as a fall, vehicle collision seat belt injury or following a breast operation.
They will occur more frequently in persons who are on blood thinners (aspirin or other anticoagulant drugs).
Most hematomas aren’t significant and fade away on their own. Still, let your healthcare practitioner know if you think you have a hematoma. A hematoma that’s rapidly expanding needs attention urgently.
What are the symptoms of a breast hematoma?
A breast haematoma is a collection of blood that can occur within breast tissue following surgery, injury, or trauma. The symptoms of a breast haematoma can vary depending on the severity and location of the hematoma. Common symptoms of a breast haematoma include:
- Swelling: A breast haematoma can cause swelling in the breast, which may be localised or affect the entire breast. The swelling can be painful and may feel warm to the touch.
- Bruising: A breast haematoma can cause bruising, which may be visible on the skin surface. The colour of the bruise may range from red to purple, and it may change over time as the hematoma heals.
- Pain: A breast haematoma can cause pain, which may be severe in some cases. The pain may be constant or may increase with movement or pressure.
- Discolouration: A breast haematoma can cause a change in the colour of the breast, which may be red or purple.
- Numbness: A breast haematoma can cause numbness or tingling in the breast or nipple.
- Difficulty moving the arm: In some cases, a breast haematoma can cause difficulty moving the arm on the affected side.
- Fever: In rare cases, a breast haematoma can cause a fever, which may be a sign of infection.
Why does a woman get a breast hemorrhage?
Injuries or traumas to the breast region are the most common causes of breast haematomas. A haematoma can also form as a result of stress to the blood vessels after breast surgery, whether it’s for breast reduction or augmentation. Haematomas can also develop as a result of coagulation issues or blood thinner use. Occasionally, a haematoma might form as a result of breast cancer. A haematoma can also develop in the breast tissue as a result of physical trauma, like a fall or impact. The general rule is that a haematoma can form in the breasts as a result of anything that damages the blood vessels there.
Breast haematomas: who is susceptible?
Breasts that are big
Comprehensive surgical operations
High BP
Unhealthy Weight
Cigarette Use
Medications that thin the blood
Hematomas or bleeding illnesses in the past
Carelessness during surgery or in the postpartum period
Preventing complications like breast hematomas during breast surgery requires an in-depth discussion of your health history and any factors that could increase the likelihood of difficulties with your surgeon.
The possibility of getting a breast hematoma is present in every patient having breast surgery. Nevertheless, the likelihood of having this illness might be elevated by specific circumstances, such as:
What precautions can I take to avoid a haematoma after breast surgery?
There are several precautions you can take to reduce the risk of developing a haematoma after breast surgery:
- Follow your surgeon’s instructions: It is crucial to follow all instructions given by your surgeon before and after the procedure. This includes avoiding certain medications, stopping smoking, and refraining from alcohol consumption. Your surgeon may also advise you to avoid certain activities that can increase your risk of developing a haematoma.
- Avoid strenuous activity: For the first few weeks after breast surgery, you should avoid any activity that can put pressure on your chest or cause you to strain. This includes heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and bending over.
- Wear a compression garment: Your surgeon may recommend that you wear a compression garment or surgical bra after breast surgery. This can help to reduce swelling and promote healing, which can reduce the risk of developing a haematoma.
- Manage pain and swelling: Pain and swelling after breast surgery can increase your risk of developing a haematoma. Follow your surgeon’s instructions for managing pain and swelling, which may include taking medication or applying cold compresses.
- Avoid blood thinners: Certain medications, supplements, and foods can thin your blood, which can increase your risk of bleeding and haematoma formation. Avoid these as recommended by your surgeon.
- Keep the incision site clean: Proper hygiene is essential to preventing infection, which can increase the risk of haematoma formation. Keep the incision site clean and dry, and follow your surgeon’s instructions for care and cleaning.
- Attend follow-up appointments: Regular follow-up appointments with your surgeon are important to monitor your healing progress and identify any complications, including haematoma formation. Attend all scheduled appointments and report any concerns or symptoms to your surgeon immediately.
how do you treat a hematoma after breast augmentation
I had a breast lift and augmentation performed three weeks ago. Two weeks ago it was found that I had significant bruising on my right breast and severe pain and fullness. Since then, they have put a cannula into the right nipple and drained 300cc of old blood, doubled my pain meds and the breast has continued to drain if there is the slightest gravity (leaning over). Once I barely pressed it and it came shooting out. Now my right arm has limited movement and my right underarm seems to be filling with fluid of some type and there is some bruising there. There is additionally back pain on and around my right shoulder blade. I have been told continually that it will just take time for the blood to reabsorb into the system and that the effects of doing additional surgery would only cause more problems. My doctor has started seeing me almost every day. Just getting through a shower takes all my energy.
Now my doctor suggests that we do an injection of something that will numb my breast for about 3-4 days. I will need to pay somewhere between 300-500 dollars for this. He also suggests that I need to get in touch with my PCP, a pain management clinic and my psychiatrist so that we can get my pain better managed until all the blood can reabsorb.
I guess what I’m wondering is if this sounds strange. I just keep sitting here in pain every day and of course I temporarily feel better when I take Valium (5 mg) and Vicodin (10 mg). I have been advised that I don’t need an antibiotic at this point. My right nipple is mangled.
I would have thought that by this point he would have opened the area and drained and cleaned it, reinserted the implant and put in a drain so this didn’t happen again but it seems he feels that is a waste of time. I’m at my wits end b/c the pain is intense and does not every fully abate. My implant feels hard and stuck at a strange angle as well. I would just really appreciate some good advice.