Is this fluid or fat under my breast? (Photos)

Question

Had a terrible exeperience with a BA by one of "Seattle's best surgeons", I bottomed out within 3 days due to a surgical error and got implants removed 6 months later under local anesthesia. Now when I wear a bra or bathing suit you can see my scars and a pocket that feels like fat but concerned it may be fluid. I did have drains in for a week after removal. Any idea what this is? Recently moved to IL and plan on seeing a board certified PS next month for TT and BL & scar revision.1.5 ys Post op

Yannis Alexandrides, MD, FACS · Answer

Unfortunately it's difficult to say without seeing a photo without the bra on. I would advise raising these concerns with a surgeon who would be able to identify whether this is fluid through an ultrasound scan.

Christopher J. Davidson, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and so sorry that you had complications following your procedure.  Your photograph indicates that your scars are in fact showing below the infra-mammary fold.  You are wise to seek a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss options.  Best of luck.

Matthew C. Camp, MD · Answer

In the process of placing a breast implant, the inframammary fold is lowered from its original position. When the implant is removed, the remaining breast tissues return to their original position, leaving the area below deflated with a fold of excess skin and the scar on the chest wall. This is not fat. It is not likely to be filled with fluid, and is difficult to judge without physical exam. Placement of a new prosthesis would correct the issue, or removal of the excess skin could be performed. Keep in mind skin removal will result in a larger scar. Take care!

Matthew C. Camp M.D.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Matthew C. Camp M.D.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Nicholas Husni, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Sorry for your bad experience.  Fluid 1.5 years post-op would be unusual.  It's impossible to tell without an in-person exam, but you are likely dealing with a bit of loose skin as a result of having the implants taken out.  I'm glad that you have a plan to have this taken care of and get a better result.  Best of luck to you!

Lawrence Iteld, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about your past experience. Fortunately, most patients to do very well with visions. It is difficult to determine from a single photograph what maybe going on, but an in-person consultation will is to develop a treatment plan to achieve your goals. Good luck.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,I'm sorry to hear about the problems you've had. I think the best option for you will be to see a board certified plastic surgeon in person as you've already planned and get a full assessment in person. It would be difficult to have a clear picture or offer meaningful advice without that.All the best

Scott R. Brundage, MD · Answer

It would be very unlikely that this would be fluid. Since you "bottomed out" with the initial surgery and the implants were there for 6 months, this could be redundent tissue. This can be best diagnosed in person by your new surgeon. It should be correctable.

Ravi Somayazula, DO · Answer

As you mentioned, the first step is to be seen by a plastic surgeon certified by the Americnaa Board of Plastic  Surgery. A complete evaluation will help deteremine more precisely what the exact issue is and therefore what needs to be done to correct it.Best wishes,Dr. Ravi SomayazulaCertified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery

David Finkle, MD · Answer

Probably neither, I agree with your plan of visiting with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.  This can only be determined with an in person consultation.Good Luck!

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

This can be determined by an in person evaluation. Fluid is possible but it looks like loose skin in the picture. See link below for more information.

Is this fluid or fat under my breast? (Photos)

Answers (12)

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