Breast Reduction: Q&A

Ask a Question

Are Benign Lumps Typical After a Breast Reduction/lift?

In September, 4 mos after a breast reduction/lift in May, I felt a hard quarter sized lump, in the bottom left side of my left breast. It is approximately 2 inches up from the bottom incision, & 1 inch to the side of the middle incision. No pain involved. My surgeon sent me immediately for a mammogram & ultra sound. The Radiologist said this was benign, & suggests repeating the 2 tests in February (6 mos). Is this condition typical?

Tags:

Comment on this

6 Doctor Answers | Asked by Elanore8 in Los Angeles, CA

Doctor Answers (6)
Community Comments (0)

Lumps after breast surgery

Lumps after breast surgery are common. These can be caused by cysts, stitch abscesses, or areas where fat does not have perfect blood supply. After a mammogram/ultrasound/MRI confirms the benigh nature of the lump you may want to try a series of warm compresses. This will increase local blood flow and may help resolution. Persistent lumps need to be followed with repeat mammogram/ultrasound/MRI studies. Even a benign lump may need to be surgically removed for... more

It's Not Uncommon to Develop Lumps in the Breast Following Breast Reduction

Breast reduction results in significant changes in the architecture of the breast. It’s not uncommon to develop lumps in the breast as a result of these changes. These lesions fall into several categories and include stitch granulomas, encapsulated hematomas, scar tissue, cysts and areas of fat necrosis. The vast majority of these lesions are benign and resolve with time. Even though these lumps have developed following surgery, it cannot be assumed that they are the result of surgery.... more

Lumps after breast reduction surgery

Sometimes areas where fat scars or has poor blood supply after reduction surgery can cause firm lumps in the breast. These firm areas usually resolve in several months to 2 years. However, no lump in the breast should ever go without thorough evaluation or be assumed to be secondary to surgery. Your doctor is correctly approaching the evaluation of these findings

You might also like...

Real Stories

Waiting for a Response from Dr. Yily in Respects to a Quote for my Surgery - Dominican Republic, DO

So i've finally decided to do my surgery with Dr. yily de los santos I'm 5'5, 160 pounds (...

Before + After Photos

View 1387 Breast Reduction photos

Lump(s) after breast reduction

A post surgical breast "lump" or mass is not unusual, but all breast masses must be taken seriously. Your surgeon, it seems to me, is managing the finding quite appropriately.

Benign breast tumor after breast reduction

It is possible to have a breast lump which is a suture granuloma or scar tissue. However, if you are speaking of a breast tumor, this would not be a consequence of the surgery. When the breasts are reduced, you may become more aware of the presence of lesions. I require all breast reduction patients over age 40 to have a baseline mammogram prior to the surgery and send all resected breast tissue for pathologic analysis to rule out any previously unknown tumor processes.

Benign Lesion after Breast Reduction?

Thank you for the question. It is not uncommon to have “benign lumps” found after breast surgery. This may be related to scar tissue, fat necrosis, suture granuloma or may be completely unrelated to the breast surgery ( for example cyst or fibroadenoma). Nevertheless, careful self breast exam and radiologic evaluation remains important; don't assume that any “lump” is benign. I hope this helps.

Doctors will not see your comments on their answers. If you'd like to follow up, please go here to ask another question.

Comments (0)

Ask a Question

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.

Breast Reduction: Q&A