Breast Reconstruction: Q&A
Ask a Question
Fat Grafting for Full Breast Reconstruction?
Hi In 2012 I had fat grafting done with stem cells and a second one done with fat grafting alone and removal of an implant. One side of my breast is still really hard and I massage the area every day with a hand held machine for 10 minutes. It softens and then in the morning it is hard again. I am six months out. When will it fully soften?
Tags:
5 Doctor Answers |
Asked by
corry
+2
Fat Necrosis
This area of previously grafted fat may represent fat necrosis. Fat necrosis is an area where that fat that was grafted has died and scarred (hardened). Sometimes this area may have some fluid (liquefaction). If there is no improvement over the next month or two then this area should be removed.
Dr. ES
+1
Fat Grafting Success Rate
Sounds like some of the fat didn't make it. Survival of the fat depends of the amount grafted and how healthy the location is prior to grafting. Smaller increments tend to survive better. If the tissue is thin and lacks adequate blood supply, it won't be able to handle large amounts of fat...which then turns hard. It may take up to year for it to soften more, but at some point, if it doesn't soften, it may need to be removed.
+1
Fat grafting and hardness
The hardness may represent fat necrosis but shoudl be evaluated to make sure it is nothing more serious. Good luck.
You might also like...
Real Stories
Amazing Results! - Nashville, TN
I started the surgical process when I discovered I was BRCA2+. I chose Dr. Wendel to...
+1
Hardening after Fat Grafting to Breast
The hardened area may represent fat necrosis (or death). Six months after the procedure, if the area remains hard it may not resolve on its own and therefore will likely need to be removed especially to avoid complicating cancer surveillance.
+1
Fat graft to the breast
The hardness 6 months after fat grafting to the breast could be swelling or fat necrosis. Only by physical examination and some times mammogram we can reach an accurate diagnosis.
Baltimore Plastic Surgeon
Comments (1)