How to Prevent Hematoma after Breast Augmentation

The results of breast augmentation surgery make the journey well worth it, but it’s important to take good care of your body during recovery to avoid any complications. There are a few potential risks with every surgery, including breast augmentation, and it’s important to plan and prepare for them. One risk associated with breast augmentation surgery is a hematoma, or a collection of blood inside the body. Dr. Vincent Marin can identify a hematoma, help patients understand the causes of a hematoma, and advise patients on the precautions they can take to avoid getting a hematoma.

How Do I Know if I Have a Hematoma?

A hematoma is a collection of blood around the breast implant after surgery. You can identify a hematoma by the discoloration around the skin from the blood leaking from the artery or vein into the nearby skin tissue. You may experience this anywhere from one day to three weeks after surgery, so it’s important to be careful throughout the whole recovery process.

What Causes a Hematoma?

There are various factors that may increase the chance of getting a hematoma. Patients who have taken blood thinners such as aspirin have a much higher risk of getting a hematoma. Because of this, you should avoid any blood thinners before and after your surgery. Consuming alcohol before surgery can also have a similar effect, so make sure to eliminate the consumption of alcohol before surgery. Also, patients with either coagulant disorders or high blood pressure are at a higher risk of developing a hematoma after surgery.

What Precautions Can I take to Avoid a Hematoma?

Patients can do the following to minimize the risk of hematoma after breast augmentation surgery:

• Follow your doctor’s advice: Dr. Marin will give you a set of instructions to follow both in preparation for surgery and recovery from surgery. These instructions will include a list of certain medications, herbs, and vitamins to avoid before and after surgery, and strict instructions about how to conduct yourself after a surgery. Take these instructions seriously. Also, make sure to discuss your health history in detail with Dr. Marin. If you have a history of high blood pressure, coagulant disorders, or other blood problems, make sure to inform Dr. Marin in advance.
• Avoid excessive heat after surgery: Being exposed to excessive heat after surgery can also be a trigger for hematomas. Stay out of the sun, hot tubs, and away from heating pads until Dr. Marin has had a chance to consult you about your progress.
• Keep your heart rate down: Another great way to decrease your risk of getting a hematoma is to keep your heart rate down. You may be tempted to jump back into exercising as soon as you feel better, but your body still needs time to heal on the inside. Make sure to give yourself at least four weeks before returning to your full work-out schedule. Relaxing and taking it easy after surgery is a great way to make sure you fully recover and avoid any harmful side effects of surgery.
• Compression bandages or garments: Compressing the skin on the treatment will minimize or prevent the bleeding that causes a hematoma.
• Surgical drains: Surgical drains will draw out any fluid that has collected under the skin.

Contact our San Diego practice today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Marin.