Bleeding

Any time a patient undergoes surgery or experiences an accidental cut on the skin, the body fights infections agents by bleeding and clotting. After breast implant surgery bleeding within the breast implant pocket usually stops after several days. If the bleeding is excessive, the surgeon may insert a thin plastic drain into the breasts to remove any blood that may be collecting after surgery. It is possible, though unusual, to experience irregular bleeding during or after surgery. Should post-operative bleeding occur, the surgeon drains the collection of blood called a hematoma in the operating room. Intra-operative or post-operative blood transfusions may also be required. Hematomas may contribute to capsular contracture, infection or other problems. Excessive bleeding during or after surgery can be minimized by not taking any aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications for 10 days before or after surgery, as these medications interfere with coagulation by thinning the blood. Non-prescription herbs and dietary supplements can also significantly increase the risk of surgical bleeding. Hematoma can even occur several months following injury to the breast. Though exceedingly rare, if blood transfusions are necessary to replace excessive blood loss, the patient risks a blood-related infection such as hepatitis and HIV (AIDS). Blood-thinning medications such as Heparin or Coumadin used to prevent blood clots in veins can produce bleeding and decreased blood platelet counts.

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