About this article
Medically reviewed- Written by
- Dr Paul Watson
- Medically reviewed by
- Dr Han Simpson
- Published
- May 28, 2026
- Medical review date
- September 8, 2026
- Evidence searched through
- September 8, 2026
- Next review due
- September 8, 2027
- Intended audience
- General Readers & Patients
- Geographic scope
- Worldwide
- Conflicts of interest
- None declared.
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- Website Owner
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- Medical disclaimer
- Read the medical disclaimer
Pictures of breast hematoma can vary widely depending on the size, severity, and stage of healing. Some breast hematomas appear as mild bruising, while others may cause large swelling, dark discoloration, firmness, and significant pain.
A breast hematoma occurs when blood collects inside breast tissue after bleeding beneath the skin or deeper within the breast. This often happens after surgery, biopsy, injury, breast implants, or trauma to the chest.
Many patients search for pictures of breast hematoma to compare symptoms and understand whether their swelling or bruising could represent a hematoma instead of normal bruising or infection.
Understanding what a breast hematoma looks like may help patients recognize symptoms early and know when medical evaluation may be necessary.
What Is a Breast Hematoma?
A hematoma is a collection of blood outside blood vessels.
In the breast, hematomas develop when bleeding occurs inside breast tissue and blood becomes trapped under the skin or deeper within the breast.
Breast hematomas may range from:
- Small mild bruises
- Localized lumps
- Large swollen collections of blood
Some hematomas resolve on their own, while others require drainage or medical treatment.
Pictures of Breast Hematoma: What Does a Breast Hematoma Look Like?
Pictures of breast hematoma often show:
- Purple or dark blue bruising
- Swelling
- Firm lumps
- Redness
- Skin discoloration
- Breast asymmetry
- Tight shiny skin
- Yellow or green healing bruises
The appearance depends on:
- Size of bleeding
- Location of hematoma
- Age of the hematoma
- Whether surgery or trauma occurred
Some hematomas appear dramatic even when they are healing normally.
Early Breast Hematoma Pictures
In the early stages, breast hematoma pictures may show:
- Fresh red or purple discoloration
- Rapid swelling
- Tenderness
- Warmth
- Firmness under the skin
Symptoms often develop within hours or days after surgery, biopsy, or injury.
Large Breast Hematoma Pictures
Large breast hematomas may cause significant swelling and visible breast enlargement.
Pictures may show:
- One breast appearing larger
- Extensive bruising
- Tight stretched skin
- Dark purple or black discoloration
- Painful swelling
- Firm masses beneath the skin
Large hematomas sometimes place pressure on surrounding tissues and may require medical drainage.
Breast Hematoma After Surgery Pictures
Breast hematomas commonly occur after:
- Breast augmentation
- Breast reduction
- Lumpectomy (details here)
- Mastectomy (read more)
- Breast reconstruction
- Breast lift surgery
Pictures of postoperative breast hematoma may show:
- Swollen breast tissue
- Bruising around incisions
- Asymmetrical breast shape
- Increased firmness
- Skin tension
Postoperative hematomas often appear during the first few days after surgery.
Breast Hematoma After Biopsy Pictures
Breast biopsies can sometimes injure small blood vessels.
Pictures of breast hematoma after biopsy may show:
- Small localized bruises
- Mild swelling
- Tender lumps
- Skin discoloration near the biopsy site
Most biopsy hematomas improve gradually over several weeks.
Breast Implant Hematoma Pictures
Patients with breast implants may develop hematomas around the implant pocket.
Pictures may show:
- Sudden swelling
- Tight painful breast
- Significant asymmetry
- Severe bruising
- Hardness
Implant-related hematomas may require urgent surgical evaluation in some cases.
Breast Hematoma Healing Stages Pictures
As breast hematomas heal, the appearance often changes over time.
Early Stage
- Red
- Purple
- Swollen
- Tender
Intermediate Stage
- Blue-black discoloration
- Greenish bruising
- Yellow patches
- Firm lump formation
Late Healing Stage
- Fading discoloration
- Reduced swelling
- Softer tissue
- Gradual skin normalization
Large hematomas may take weeks or months to fully resolve.
Symptoms of Breast Hematoma
Symptoms may include:
- Breast pain
- Swelling
- Firmness
- Bruising
- Tenderness
- Warmth
- Visible lump
- Skin tightness
- Breast enlargement
Some patients also experience discomfort with movement or pressure.
Breast Hematoma vs Normal Bruising
Many people confuse hematomas with ordinary bruises.
Normal Bruising
Normal bruising is usually:
- Flat
- Mildly tender
- Smaller
- Less swollen
Breast Hematoma
Breast hematomas are more likely to cause:
- Significant swelling
- Firm lumps
- Larger blood collections
- Painful pressure
- Noticeable breast enlargement
Breast Hematoma vs Infection
Breast hematomas and infections may sometimes appear similar.
However, breast infections often cause:
- Fever
- Pus drainage
- Increasing redness
- Severe warmth
- Worsening pain
- Chills
Some hematomas can become infected, especially after surgery.
What Causes a Breast Hematoma?
Common causes include:
- Breast surgery
- Breast biopsy
- Trauma or injury
- Car accidents
- Falls
- Sports injuries
- Blood thinner medications
- Implant procedures
Patients taking anticoagulants may have higher hematoma risk.
Risk Factors for Breast Hematoma
Risk factors include:
- Blood thinning medications
- Recent surgery
- Bleeding disorders
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
- Large surgical procedures
- Trauma
How Doctors Diagnose a Breast Hematoma
Doctors often diagnose breast hematomas through:
- Physical examination
- Ultrasound
- Mammogram
- CT scan
- MRI in some cases
Ultrasound is commonly used to evaluate fluid collections and distinguish hematomas from other breast masses.
Treatment for Breast Hematoma
Treatment depends on severity.
Small Hematomas
Mild hematomas may improve with:
- Rest
- Ice packs
- Compression
- Supportive bras
- Pain control
Large Hematomas
Larger hematomas may require:
- Needle drainage
- Surgical evacuation
- Monitoring for infection
- Follow-up imaging
How Long Does a Breast Hematoma Last?
Healing times vary significantly.
Small hematomas may improve within:
- 1–3 weeks
Large hematomas may persist for:
- Several weeks
- Several months
Firm lumps sometimes remain temporarily during healing.
When to Worry About a Breast Hematoma
Medical evaluation is important if symptoms include:
- Rapid swelling
- Severe pain
- Fever
- Increasing redness
- Drainage
- Shortness of breath
- Significant asymmetry
- Hard expanding breast
- Sudden worsening
These symptoms may suggest ongoing bleeding or infection.
Can a Breast Hematoma Turn Into Cancer?
A breast hematoma itself does not turn into breast cancer.
However, persistent lumps may sometimes require imaging to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.
Doctors occasionally repeat imaging after healing to ensure the area resolves properly.
Pictures of Breast Hematoma: Final Thoughts
Pictures of breast hematoma commonly show swelling, bruising, firmness, and skin discoloration after surgery, biopsy, injury, or trauma.
While many hematomas heal naturally, larger collections of blood may require medical treatment or drainage.
Because breast hematomas can sometimes resemble infection or other breast conditions, medical evaluation may be important if symptoms worsen, become severe, or fail to improve.