I recently had explant and fat grafting, about 5 weeks ago with Dr. Khouri. I just got out of my breast splint, and am noticing that a large area under my left nipple has become hard or firm. Is this fat necrosis? I asked my doctors assistant, and she said I have to wait till 12 weeks before she can give me any answers, but I want to know what these this could be. The side with the firmness is a bit smaller, and has less swelling than the other side. Is it possible that will soften up with time?
June 2, 2016
Answer: Firm mass after fat grafting Almost certainly this firm area is fat necrosis.When fat is transferred from another body region to the breast, it has to have a healthy blood supply. It is sort of like laying sod in the garden. Initially the grass gets its nutrients just by lying on the healthy soil and evenually, if it is kept healthy long enough, it grows roots. The same thing happens with fat - it needs a healthy blood supply to survive.Any fat that doesn't have a good enough blood supply will die (necrosis). This forms a firm lump. Over time, this fat liquefies and the lump disappears, but this can take several months. So yes, this will likely soften over time. We expect some fat necrosis following fat transfer - not all of the fat survives. The reason the side with the firmness is smaller is that you have lost some of the volume compared to the other side. Hope that helps.
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June 2, 2016
Answer: Firm mass after fat grafting Almost certainly this firm area is fat necrosis.When fat is transferred from another body region to the breast, it has to have a healthy blood supply. It is sort of like laying sod in the garden. Initially the grass gets its nutrients just by lying on the healthy soil and evenually, if it is kept healthy long enough, it grows roots. The same thing happens with fat - it needs a healthy blood supply to survive.Any fat that doesn't have a good enough blood supply will die (necrosis). This forms a firm lump. Over time, this fat liquefies and the lump disappears, but this can take several months. So yes, this will likely soften over time. We expect some fat necrosis following fat transfer - not all of the fat survives. The reason the side with the firmness is smaller is that you have lost some of the volume compared to the other side. Hope that helps.
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May 30, 2016
Answer: Hardness / Fat necrosis Thanks for your question. Fat necrosis can eventually become calcified and appear as areas of induration. This issue you shoul keep in mind for your next routine exams of your breasts. However, you can wait longer and give direct massage in the area. This will help areas become softer.
Helpful
May 30, 2016
Answer: Hardness / Fat necrosis Thanks for your question. Fat necrosis can eventually become calcified and appear as areas of induration. This issue you shoul keep in mind for your next routine exams of your breasts. However, you can wait longer and give direct massage in the area. This will help areas become softer.
Helpful
