Author Topic: what to do after a hematoma  (Read 3151 times)

Offline hm4295

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I was unlucky and developed a hematoma 2 days after my gyne surgery. After diagnosing it, my surgeon took me to the OR that same day and evacuated 450 cc. It's been 11 days since the evacuation and there is still some swelling and firmness. My surgeon says this is residual clotted material and that the uniform smooth contour of the firmness is a good thing. He says that I will have to be patient while it liquefies, and he will probably do some steroid injections eventually. The other side looks great, and my surgeon thinks the hematoma side will eventually catch up.

My questions:

-Is there anything I can do to help promote the liquefying? Or is this just a case where I have to be patient?

-Would fish oil possibly help? I know fish oil helps prevent clot formation, but I'm not sure if it does anything to existing clots. Naturally I will ask my surgeon before taking any.

Thanks!

Offline Litlriki

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Sorry to hear about your hematoma following surgery.  Your surgeon is correct--You need some patience and attentiveness, as on occasion, a seroma (fluid collection) may develop following hematoma.  I encourage massage in my patients, which helps with the swelling and contour as the hematoma resolves, and helps to break up scar tissue.  I'm not sure if there's any benefit to fish oil--I don't think it would help or hurt.  I normally recommend compression for 4 weeks after surgery, but in situations such as yours, I might recommend an extra 2 weeks of compression to help manage swelling.

Rick Silverman
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 Dr. Elliot Jacobs

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Your surgeon did the absolute correct procedure -- ie drain the hematoma once it is recognized.  Usually, the blood from a hematoma will collect in the cavity between the skin and the underlying chest muscle.  But remember, blood can infiltrate adjoining tissues as well -- so in all likelihood, some of the surrounding tissues will be swollen and bruised.  There is nothing to do about that except to wait for the body to absorb the blood and for the swelling to subside.  Some massage and some continued compression can be of help -- but the most important thing is simply patience on your side -- just wait it out and you should do just fine.

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 hm4295

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At nearly 3 weeks post-op, is it okay to massage the indurated area on the side where the hematoma was? It is very firm and somewhat swollen in a 2 inch radius surrounding the areola, much like a very well defined pectoral muscle that's being flexed. I will also ask this question of my surgeon, but I'm curious what your suggestions would be.

Thanks for all your input!

Offline Litlriki

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You should check with your surgeon. You may have a small fluid collection that needs to be drained. 

RS

Offline DrPensler

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It sounds as though your care has been appropriate.It takes a while for the induration after a hematoma to resolve.I think an active lifestyle and massage help speed the resolution after a hematoma but you should follow your surgeons recommendations.
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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