Can plastic surgery fix the hollow left after lumpectomy and lymph nodes dissection?

Question

Hello doctor , I had a breast lumpuctamy and lymph nodes dissection since 2 years , the problem is that I have a deep hollow area after the lymph dissection and it is annoying Me so much with my clothes and the way I look , I wonder what are the plastic surgey options available for my case , can this hollow area be compensated by silicon or filler , if it works would it affect my arm , is there a risk of getting lymphedema from such a surgery ?

Tommaso Addona, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.
With a lumpectomy, patients are given the opportunity to undergo oncoplastic reconstruction with a plastic surgeon to improve the appearance of the breast. This procedure involves manipulating the tissue to fill the hollow areas of the breast using your own breast tissue. This procedure will likely not involve the lymph nodes area; however, there is always the risk of lymphedema. I recommend speaking to a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options.

Shitel Patel, MD · Answer

Fat grafting can be a great option for the axilla and hollow areas. It can also help smooth things out. There are minimal risks. The percentage that will take in the area is a bit variable from 60-70%, so the areas will have to be overfilled and may require multiple outpatient procedures. Lymphedema would be a very small risk with fat grafting. I would not recommend silicone or fillers in that area.

Heather Richardson, MD, FACS · Answer

The best way to improve sunken or hollow areas created after tissue removal is fat grafting. It is becoming more and more common and is considered safe. Liposuction takes fat from one area on the body and small amounts are infected to plump up the hollow areas. It is typically an out patient procedure and well tolerated. Depending on how much needs to be filled, it may take more than one procedure to have enough fat in the site. Talk to your plastic surgeon about being considered for this procedure. Good luck!

Robert Whitfield, MD · Answer

Fat grafting can be a very effective way to treat small areas of contour abnormality created by lumpectomy.

Can plastic surgery fix the hollow left after lumpectomy and lymph nodes dissection?

Answers (4)