This Article Has Been Medically Approved By Dr. Timothy Connall
A hematoma is a collection of blood beneath the skin that can occur when the blood vessels are damaged. The hematoma can be small and barely noticeable, or it can cause significant swelling and discomfort. A hematoma after a breast augmentation surgery can make one of the breasts appear larger than the other and can create a markedly swollen bruise on the surface.
While there are several measures you can take after your procedure to avoid developing a hematoma, there are three things you should know upfront:
- Try not to worry. Only about one in 200 people develop the problem after surgery, and plastic surgeons follow strict guidelines to promote your safety and comfort.
- Hematomas are manageable. Esprit® Cosmetic Surgeons resolves these concerns for Portland breast augmentation patients either through a follow-up procedure or other treatment methods.
- We’re here for you. If you think you may already have a hematoma or if you have other questions after your surgery, please give us a call. The Esprit® Cosmetic Surgeons make special efforts to be accessible to their patients, both at the office and by mobile phone.
The Connection Between Hematomas and Breast Augmentation
The small blood vessels in your body are very delicate, and those in your breasts will be particularly fragile after breast augmentation surgery. In the early weeks following your procedure, the blood vessels are at risk of opening and leaking blood, which can lead to a hematoma.
The fragility of the blood vessels means that Portland breast augmentation patients can develop hematomas regardless of how well their surgery went or even how well they care for themselves afterwards. However, there are some ways to limit the likelihood of their occurrence.
After your procedure with Esprit® Cosmetic Surgeons, we will provide you with post-operative instructions to promote your health and recovery. This guidance, including the recommendations described below, can help you avoid complications during your recuperation.
Steps to Take to Avoid Hematoma After Breast Augmentation
1. Give Yourself Time
At Esprit® Cosmetic Surgeons, we aim to achieve each patient’s personal vision of health and renewal. If you are like most of our Portland breast augmentation patients, you’ll be excited to enjoy the results of your procedure and to finish your recovery as soon as possible.
The Esprit® Cosmetic Surgeons and our staff ask that you please take the time necessary to heal. For the first four weeks after your procedure, the small blood vessels around your surgical sites will be at particular risk. Commit yourself to your recovery over these weeks so that you can have an excellent long-term outcome and lessen the chance of complications.
2. Take It Slow
Increases in heart rate and blood pressure can lead the small blood vessels to leak. Typical strenuous activities such as weight lifting, running, and other exercises cause this to increase.
Even if your body feels healed from the breast augmentation surgery, there are processes going on inside that need to take place for your full recovery. Stay away from doing things that can drive up your blood pressure and in particular, try to avoid straining your upper body.
3. Ease Into Activities
Portland breast augmentation patients should try to have the calmest recovery they can. However, it’s okay to add to your daily activities as you progress in your recuperation.
Patients can return to work, driving, and gentle intimacy once their initial surgical sites have healed. Surgery will also not prevent you from having a full range of motion. As your body becomes more accustomed to activity after the procedure, feel free to comb your hair, twist your torso, or lift light loads.
The general guidance Esprit® Cosmetic Surgeons offers is simply to avoid straining your body unnecessarily during your recovery and to know that issues such as hematoma are rare and treatable. Our practice has conducted over 2500 breast augmentation procedures for Portland patients, and with the accessibility and experience we offer, we can help patients with any concerns they may have.
Whether you are exploring breast augmentation surgery or have questions after a procedure, we invite you to contact Esprit® Cosmetic Surgeons.
