What can I do to get rid of lumps in the breasts after a fat transfer?

Question

I had 500cc & 550cc transferred into my breasts 90 days ago. First breasts were extremely hard and gradually soften, then dropped over time. However hard lumps are everywhere outer side of the breasts (under the armpits) some are the size of tangerine, a coin size and some as small as zits. What can I do to get rid of them. My doc said to wait and see for another 90 days if not better, he will drain with a needle, but I read and found that the size l have, can’t be done.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

I would definitely wait for now and see what things look like in about six months.  By then you will be able to tell which lumps are unlikely to go away on their own and at that time make a decision on what to do.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I am not sure that the data has been collected on rate of calcification, and then the issue becomes whether that is clinically significant. The calcification lumps are usually not an issue.  It is reasonable to expect  lumps to improve or soften with time. As scars mature, they soften.  This process may take several months.  If the lump is the result of swelling, seroma, or  hematoma,  it should resolve quickly.  If the lump is fat necrosis or viable fat that becomes discrete and remains palpable, it may require further treatment like aspiration or removal.
Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles, CA

Hetal Fichadia, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question. This one is difficult to answer without photos and examination. In general, if there are persistent lumps at 6 months after fat grafting, an ultrasound can be done. If they are cysts, then that can be aspirated. Sometimes, they may need to be treated with liposuction or surgical removal depending on the size and symptoms.

Urmen Desai, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Lymphatic Massage can potentially help this this.   I recommend an in-office examination as well as a detailed discussion with a surgeon who you are comfortable with.   Finally, make sure your surgeon is a Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS), a member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).Best,Dr. DesaiBeverly Hills Institute for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryHarvard Educated, Beverly Hills & Miami Beach TrainedDouble Board-Certified, Double Fellowship-Trained Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Luv_p,I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment. Only after thorough examination you can get proper recommendations and advice.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

Time is your ally and its best to give yourself plenty as many of the masses will shrink in size as you heal and your body metabolizes and clears necrotic fat.  I would suggest  waiting at least a year before deciding if anything needs to be excised or aspirated.  Certainly aspirations are low risk and could be done sooner but excisions will leave you with scars so you must be certain you want to pursue that as once the scar is placed, it cannot be removed.

Steven Svehlak, MD · Answer

It is difficult to give you an accurate answer without a full examination and assessment.  It is common that lumps can form in fat transfer procedures, especially with large volume fat transfers.  Some of this can be related to swelling in the areas treated.  In your case you still may need to wait until more time has allowed for more healing.  Sometimes, lumps can be fat necrosis and/or fatty cysts.  These may require some further intervention to treat, such as needle aspiration, spot liposucion, and/or direct excision.   It is best to discuss with your surgeon, or seek a second opinion with board certified plastic surgeon.  Thank you for your question.

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

Fat transfer to the breast must be done in stages as the breast skin becomes quite firm and only accommodates only limited fat; How much fat can be accommodated is deqendent on you breast skin looseness. We often recommend two transfers to achieve patient desired volumes.Almost forgot to answer your question: messaging with hot compresses as well as patience as many of these areas will calcify and be absorbed by your body.

Jon Ver Halen, MD, FACS (license suspended) · Answer

Dear Luv P,Hello and thank you for your excellent question. I suggest that you pursue Z wave, or some other acoustic based therapy to help get rid of your lumps after breast fat transfer. It is best to answer your question during a face-to-face evaluation, when you can discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure, and you can have a physical examination to evaluate for that procedure. I recommend that you find a board-certified, or board-eligible plastic surgeon with whom you are comfortable. Be sure to have all of your questions answered during a face-to-face meeting with your surgeon, and review before and after pictures of similar patients whom have had this procedure. If you have any questions, call our office for assistance. Good luck!
  
Best,
  
Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS
  
Harvard educated plastic surgeon
  
Texas “Top Doc” 2017, 2018
  
RealSelf100
  
America’s Top Plastic Surgeons, Consumer’s Research Council, 2010 - 2018

What can I do to get rid of lumps in the breasts after a fat transfer?

Answers (9)

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