Lumps in my right breast after explantation. Could this be scar tissue?

Question

I had my implants removed almost 6 months ago due to infection and always had a small amount of pain, over the past two weeks I have noticed a hard lump in my right breast above my nipple, right breast is still sore, left breast no lumps, I'm wondering if this could be scar tissue ? I don't want to panic just yet and live in a remote area, so I'm not able to get to a plastic surgeon

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

hello Trace141  Regeneration of the sensory nerves is accompanied by tingling, burning, or shooting pains which disappear with time and are nothing to be alarmed about. If, however, swelling, redness, infection, or drainage accompanies this, then you will need to see the doctor at the office. #lumps #post-op

Kim Taylor, FRACS · Answer

Despite your previous history, any new lump should be examined & fully assessed by a doctor.  As a first step you should see your general practitioner & then be guided by them as to what, if anything, needs to be done further.  I agree that there is no need to panic, but also don't ignore this either.  All the best Kim

Anna I. Wooten, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question.  What you feel is probably scar tissue, but you must be evaluated by your surgeon.  Without an examination and diagnostic imaging, it is impossible to diagnose.  It is very important that you are properly evaluated.

Jeanette Padgett, MD, FACS · Answer

Any breast lump should be evaluated.  At 6 months post-op, what you feel could be scar tissue but it's best to return to your surgeon for  an valuation.   In addition to an exam, you may need a mammogram and further diagnostic tests.   Best wishes.

Robert Drielsma, MBBS, BSc, FRACS · Answer

Without an in person consultation and diagnostic imaging its impossible to determine what the lump is.  Its possibly scar tissue but a review is essential.

Benjamin J. Cousins, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It has been some time since your implants were removed so the scar tissue should be getting to be pretty soft by now. You should see your primary doctor and/or a breast surgeon for an in person examination and probably some additional work up tests for an evaluation of the mass, just  to be safe.Sincerely,Dr. Benjamin J. Cousins MDBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It is not possible to give you answers as to the nature of the lumps without an examination and possible further testing.  I recommend an examination by your surgeon or seeing a breast specialist.

Pravin Reddy, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.
Any new breast lumps need to be evaluated by your General Practitioner or Breast Surgeon.  Given the history you provided, and the fact the mass is painful, it may represent a late inflammatory response to a suture etc.  However, if the mass persists over your next menstrual cycle without change, then I would advise evaluation with Ultrasound.
I hope this helps.

Ben Gbulie, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi
Thanks for your question and sorry your having this problem.
You shouldn't ignore the lump and don't assume it's related to your prior breast surgery. You should see a breast surgeon for an exam and likely mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy.
I hope this helps....

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

Anytime lumps are felt in the breast, you should see a doctor and have a mammogram.  Since it is 6 months after surgery, you could have scar tissue, but we do not know that without further examination and testing.

Lumps in my right breast after explantation. Could this be scar tissue?

Answers (10)

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