Late Capsular Hematoma After Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction

Breast implantation for breast reconstruction may lead to either immediate or late complications. Hematomas have been mostly noted in the early postoperative period; the occurrence of delayed hematomas seems to be a rare event with a few isolated reports in the literature. Various causative factors have been suggested such as trauma, anticoagulation, physical strain, or even cancer recurrence. With the increased use of implant-based breast reconstruction over the past decade, it has become important to shed light on this complication, and alert plastic surgeons about its potential risk factors. This chapter presents an overview of the cases reported thus far; then, a case of both intra and extracapsular delayed breast hematoma is presented. Finally, clinical recommendations for the prevention, diagnosis, and management of this entity are outlined.