What It Is

Hematoma evacuation is a surgical or minimally invasive procedure to remove a collection of blood that accumulates under the skin or within tissues after surgery or trauma. Hematomas often occur after plastic or reconstructive procedures such as breast augmentation, facelifts, abdominoplasty, or liposuction.

In Korea, hematoma evacuation is performed promptly to relieve pressure, prevent infection, protect healing tissues, and preserve cosmetic outcomes. Treatment may involve needle aspiration, incision and drainage, or surgical exploration depending on the severity and location of the hematoma.

Why It’s Done

Patients undergo hematoma evacuation because:

• A hematoma causes pain, swelling, and firmness in the surgical area.
• If left untreated, it can lead to infection, skin necrosis, delayed healing, or poor cosmetic results.
• Large hematomas may compromise circulation to the skin or implant.
• Patients want to restore comfort and protect their surgical investment.

Good candidates include:

• Patients with confirmed hematoma after surgery or trauma.
• Those in stable health who can undergo local or general anesthesia.
• Patients seeking both functional relief and cosmetic preservation.

Alternatives

• Observation: Very small hematomas may resolve on their own.
• Cold compress and compression garments: Useful for mild, early hematomas.
• No treatment: Not recommended for moderate to large hematomas due to risks of complications.

Preparation

Before hematoma evacuation in Korea, patients will:

• Have a clinical evaluation and possibly ultrasound to confirm diagnosis.
• Provide surgical history, including any recent procedures or blood-thinning medications.
• Stop smoking and alcohol to optimize healing.
• Avoid anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications before surgical drainage.

How It’s Done

• Small hematomas: May be aspirated using a needle and syringe under sterile conditions.
• Moderate hematomas: A small incision is made to evacuate clotted blood and apply drainage.
• Large or complex hematomas: Surgical exploration may be necessary to remove blood, identify bleeding vessels, and control active bleeding.
• Duration: 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on complexity.

Recovery

• First week: swelling, bruising, and soreness are common.
• Drainage tubes may be placed temporarily and removed within a few days.
• Light activities can resume in 3–5 days for simple aspirations; longer downtime is needed after surgical exploration.
• Final results: return of natural contour and preservation of surgical results within 2–4 weeks.

Possible Complications

• Recurrence of hematoma requiring additional drainage.
• Infection or delayed wound healing.
• Visible scarring (minimized with advanced Korean techniques).
• Skin or tissue necrosis if left untreated.
• Rare risks: excessive blood loss or damage to nearby structures.

Treatment Options in Korea

Diagnosis

• Clinical exam with palpation and ultrasound imaging to confirm hematoma size and location.
• Lab tests if clotting disorders are suspected.

Medical Treatments

• Cold compresses, compression garments, and observation for very small hematomas.
• Pain management with oral medications.

Surgical or Advanced Therapies

• Needle aspiration for small, early hematomas.
• Incision and drainage for moderate clots.
• Surgical exploration with vessel cauterization for large or recurrent hematomas.
• Combination with scar revision or contour correction if the hematoma affects cosmetic outcomes.

Rehabilitation and Support

• Use of compression garments after evacuation to prevent recurrence.
• Scar management with silicone gels or laser if an incision is required.
• Long-term follow-up to monitor healing and surgical results.
• International patients benefit from Korea’s quick-response surgical care, advanced hemostatic techniques, and strong postoperative support systems.