How long can it take for fat necrosis to show up?

Hello, a lump 3 months after a breast augmentation surgery could be many things. Where the lump is located? How large is the lump? If the lump is around the incision or areas of dissection...then sure, you can have resolving scar tissues, sutures, fat necrosis... but if the lump is away from any surgical dissection such as at the top of your breast...then the likely hood of fat necrosis maybe more in question. Bottom line, I would pay close attention to the area. Any if any concern persist about what this lump is... then you would most likely need further studies.

I appreciate your question.Im glad that you this worked up.If it fat necrosis it should go away on its own as your body breaks it down.There is a possible you may always feel it a bit though.If so, please have it examined yearly or if it changes.The best way to assess and give true advice would an in-person exam.Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative breast surgery.best of luck!Dr Schwartz

Fat necrosis is usually seen within 2-3 months of surgery.  It is rare with a breast augmentation though.  It is much more common with a breast reduction or mastopexy.  Fat necrosis usually does not resolve on its own but must be tolerated or removed surgically. 

Hi,

Thanks for posting your question. I am happy to try and help you. It is
important to remember that a board certified plastic surgeon will be your best
resource when it comes to an accurate assessment of your situation, and
concerns.

Having said that, you should speak to your plastic surgeon. Online consultants
are not the appropriate source of information for you; your plastic surgeon
should be your resource when it comes to postoperative concerns. This is
important because every surgeon has different perspectives, the only one that
should be important is the one that operated on you ;)Never heard of fat necrosis after breast augmentation.

Best wishes,

Dr. Michael J. Brown
Northern Virginia Plastic Surgeon

You have asked very good questions, with difficult answers.  Fat necrosis usually appears within a month of surgery and may take years to go away.  Ideally it is reabsorbed by the surrounding tissue, although it is sometimes digested down to an oily substance that may be interpreted as a cyst mammogram or ultrasound.  Also, it can harden and calcify, which also is difficult to read, because it looks like a solid mass on mammogram.  It is never malignant, and is a problem only because you can feel   it.  If you are worried about it,  your surgeon can remove it, but that requires a small surgical procedure. Best advice for now is to wait it out and see if it disappears on its own, depending on how much necrosis there is, and repeat the ultrasound in 6 months.