1 year post BBL - Large hard lump on left buttocks - treatment options other than surgery for fat necrosis?

Thank you for your question.
You will need an actual physical examination and possibly an ultrasound to diagnose what the hard lump is. An oil cyst needs aspiration while fat necrosis would need excision. Massages and other non invasive treatments will not be helpful at this stage. All The Best !

Unfortunately, this is most likely not going away unless it is surgically removed.  There’s a very small chance that it may be aspirated with a large needle but this is quite unlikely to be a permanent solution. The reason you are noticing this about a year out from surgery is because enough fat has melted away and the last bit of swelling has resided from the tissues to essentially unmask the underlying fatty necrotic cyst, which are often filled with a mixture of scar tissue and oil. Hope this helps. 

Thank you for your question and photo! I suggest you have a physical examination by a plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns.  Best of luck!Dhaval Patel
Double Board Certified 
Plastic Surgeon
Chicago
Hoffman Estates
Oakbrook
Orland

Hi, 
I recommend you see your surgeon in order to have this looked at. May need an ultrasound scan to check it. If late oil cyst, would be possible to aspirate it with a needle in clinic (office). If confirmed fat necrosis then would settle with massages and time. Can take up to 12 months to resolve. 

Thank you for your question.  At 1 year this lump is unlikely to settle.  It is most likely an oil cyst or scar tissue.  I would suggest making and appointment to see your PS in person.  Any reputable surgeon would want to fix this for their patients.  Sometimes you can simply aspirate it in the office if it is fluid filled, or inject some corticosteroid if it is scar tissue without needing surgery.  They might order an ultrasound to investigate this further if they do not have one in their office.

Without an examination, it is difficult to state what might be your best treatment option. Massage is helpful, but unlikely to resolve the problem at this point. If the lump is a fluid filled cavity( liquid fat) aspiration may be of benifit. If it consists of primarily scar tissue, injection with corticosteroids generally will soften it and help break it up. One must be cautious with this , however, as too much tissue can be removed, leaving a defect. If injected near the skin, it may cause thinning and discoloration to occur. Occasionally use of a small suction cannula can br used to break it up. Have your surgeon examine it and discuss your options.

Lumps after Brazilian buttlift could represent fat necrosis.  Given that you are a year after surgery, the lump requires an evaluation.  The likely treatment would be to excise that block of necrotic fat.  Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Dear skye_isthelimit,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. Based on your photos and description, it looks like fat necrosis. 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

A Brazilian butt lift (BBL) is a cosmetic surgery procedure that enhances the shape and size of the buttocks by transferring fat from other areas of the body: Brazilian butt lift (BBL)ProcedureFat is removed from other areas of the body, such as the thighs, hips, lower back, or belly, and injected into the buttocksGoalTo improve the shape and volume of the buttocks, and sometimes to create an hourglass figureResultsMore rounded and fuller buttocks, and sometimes a smaller-looking waistRisksExpensive, can be dangerous, and there are no guaranteed resultsRecoveryPain is usually minimal, and full recovery takes about six monthsMaintenanceResults should last for many years, but it's important to maintain a stable weightA BBL is different from a traditional "lift" procedure, like a breast lift or facelift, because it doesn't improve sagging or excess skin. A BBL is also different from other butt lift techniques because it doesn't use implants. Candidates for a BBL should have good skin tone in their buttocks and hips, be in good health, and not have medical conditions that would impair healing.

The definitive correction for liposuction deformities requires the advanced technology of ultrasound assisted VASER liposuction. The lump can be liposuctioned and contoured to make a smooth buttocks by a VASER specialist. As an official trainer of VASER liposuction, I encounter suboptimal liposuction outcome referrals weekly. VASER liposuction has been the only modality that has consistently corrected liposuction caused deformities. VASER liposuction ensures a smooth contour regardless of severity of contour irregularities by virtue of being able to remove any and all remaining fat comprehensively and uniformly. Finally, when skin redundancy irregularities are observed, Renuvion technology can be simultaneously applied to tighten your skin to optimize your overall contour outcome. A Skype or FaceTime consultation with a VASER specialist will help you get an accurate recommendation and pricing. 
Respectfully, 
Arian Mowlavi MD, FACS
Realself 100 Hall of Fame Inductee