Does breast really fill in after a lumpectomy? And how long will it take?

Thank you Verdie for your questions.  Initially after a lumpectomy of that size, the defect may fill in with fluid, which initially may give your breast a normal contour.  However, over time, this fluid gets absorbed by your body, resulting in contour deformities, and possible nipple malposition.  Any future consideration of improving your breast shape would have to be a combined decision between your surgical oncologist and plastic surgeon.  Some options to address the contour deformity after lumpectomy include breast reduction, flap reconstruction, or fat grafting.  The right option depends on the cancer stage, your need for additional chemotherapy or radiation, your normal breast size and shape, and goal size after reconstruction.  This is a very individualized treatment, and I would recommend that you have a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss these surgical options. 

Usually after a lumpectomy the tissues are approximated with sutures and the incision is closed. There often is not an open space per se between the tissues.

The answer to your question is difficult at this early stage.The final result depends on a number of things:how much tissue had to be removed,the size and contour of your preop breast,the surgical repair and how you heal and scar as an individual.Your doctors can give you postop pointers as healing progresses,if after all is healed and it doesn't "fill in" to your satisfaction there are a number of plastic surgery options which can help at that time.