The Role of Breast Ultrasound in a Treatment Protocol for the Postoperative Red Breast in Implant Based Breast Reconstruction

Patients presenting with a red breast after implant based breast reconstruction represent a diagnostic challenge. This paper reviews the six most common causes of red breast including infection, seroma, hematoma, radiation, tissue necrosis and red breast syndrome. Pathologic presentation and treatment modalities are also discussed. Additionally we suggest an algorithm for the management of red breast that utilizes ultrasound as a differentiating tool to help solve the diagnostic problem of when conservative management, antimicrobial therapy and or explantation are appropriate.