BLUNT TRAUMA SEROMA – SURGICAL APPROACH

Posted On: April 23, 2014 Author: The Office of Dr. Stuart Linder Posted In: Breast Implants, Breast Revision

The patient to the right is status post augmentation mammoplasty procedure with high profile saline implants, who was involved in a blunt trauma where her right chest hit the steering column.  Notice that there is significant swelling of the right breast.  It is also engorged, enlarged and quite painful and she has developed scar tissue contracture.  Patients like this should undergo surgery as soon as possible for evacuation of seroma, capsular release and implant replacement as necessary in order to recreate symmetry.

This patient’s preop photo shows significant 45% enlargement of the right breast with swelling and lowering of the inframammary fold.  Notice her reconstructive photo shows complete resolution after evacuation of the seroma, evening of the breast and elevation of the right inframammary fold.  The patient is now pain-free, has healed well and will continue with follow-up over the next six weeks.

Patients who have blunt trauma to the chest often develop capsular tears with seromas.  These should be immediately explored, evacuated and scar tissue released.