Author Topic: New Leeching theraphy for hematoma?  (Read 1408 times)

Offline jay123

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Hi Doctors,
I was just wondering if anyone knows how successful leeching theraphy is for hematoma due to gyno surgery?  I have a medium sized hematoma three days post op and  a medical therapist here claims that leeches can aspirate and suck the blood to treat hematoma on the chest. Would you say it would help at all if i were to try it out?
Thanks in advance!

Offline Dr. Elliot Jacobs

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    • Gynecomastia Surgery
Yes, medicinal leeches do work for small localized hematomas directly under / within the skin (when blood vessels are overworked and not doing the job).  This is usually done in conjunction with reconstructive surgery.

Leeches would not have any use whatsoever in the face of a hematoma -- even though those critters might look at it as the ultimate feast.

Dr Jacobs
Dr. Jacobs 
Certified: American Board of Plastic Surgery
Fellow: American College of Surgeons
Practice sub-specialty in Gynecomastia Surgery
4800 North Federal Highway
Boca Raton, Florida 33431
561  367 9101
Email:  dr.j@elliotjacobsmd.com
Website:  http://www.gynecomastiasurgery.com
Website:  http://www.gynecomastianewyork.c

Offline Litlriki

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I would agree with Dr. Jacobs--Leeches can be useful with certain situations where there is venous congestion in a reimplanted finger or body part, for example, or in other reconstructive flap surgery, but they would not be useful with a hematoma of the sort that occurs in gynecomastia surgery.  
Dr. Silverman, M.D.
Cosmetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
29 Crafts Street
Suite 370
Newton, MA 02458
617-965-9500
800-785-7860
www.ricksilverman.com
www.gynecomastia-boston.com
rick@ricksilverman.com

Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery

Offline DrPensler

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Not a good idea ! Leeches are not used for hematoma resolution and in fact have some associated anticoagulation effects. For your information leeches are used to establish venous drainage in some situations.
Jay M. Pensler,M.D.
680 North Lake Shore Drive
suite 1125
Chicago,Illinois 60611
(312) 642-7777
http://www.gynecomastiachicago.com


 

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