Is bleeding common after breast augmentation surgery, what are the consequences, and what is the treatment?

Bleeding is not a common complication after breast augmentation surgery; however, it may lead to problems if not detected in a timely fashion. This applies more to acute hemorrhage immediately after breast enlargement surgery. The affected side would become considerably larger than the non-bleeding side, would possibly turn pale and purplish, and the resulting tension would potentially threaten the viability of the overlying skin. The volume of blood that a breast pocket could potentially accumulate is not large enough to be life-threatening unless combined with certain other conditions. The treatment for acute postoperative bleeding after breast augmentation surgery is an immediate return to the operating room, release of the collected blood, a search for the offending vessel, and control of the bleeder. A hematoma may form after breast augmentation surgery in the case of a slow bleed, not detected immediately, or with subsequent trauma, days, weeks, or months after the initial operation for breast enlargement. The result would be swelling, discoloration, and pain. If large, as judged by the operating surgeon, the collection would need drainage. Smaller hematomas can be absorbed by the body.