Breast reduction issues. What can be done to help with the hardness and lumps?

Dear Fearless82814,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hi Fearless,
Congratulations on your procedure! Breast reduction surgeries are the most rewarding for both patient and surgeon- truly one of my favorite procedures for that reason. Tingling, numbness, and even "zaps" of sensation around the nipple areolar complex are normal within the post operative period. The superficial nerves in the skin are beginning to grow back, and that process usually resolves within 6 months- 1 year. The lumps are something you should bring to your surgeon's attention. It's not something I see frequently in my practice, but on physical examination, your surgeon should be able to offer some diagnosis and treatment.
Best of luck to you!
-Dr. Nik

This is an excellent question. Depending on how long after surgery you started experiencing symptoms, you may have something called fat necrosis. It is important to see your plastic surgeon who performed the breast reduction operation to have an exam and for the surgeon to examine your breasts. A mammogram or ultrasound may be needed to better characterize the lumps.
Fat necrosis is a condition that can occur after breast reduction surgery. It is a complication in which the fatty breast tissue dies, and can lead to the formation of lumps or nodules in the breast that may be painful, tender, or hard. For large breast reductions, the risk of fat necrosis is higher.
The treatment options for fat necrosis after breast reduction surgery depend on the severity of the condition and the symptoms you are experiencing. Mild cases may resolve on their own with time, while more severe cases may require medical treatment.
Depending on how far out from surgery you are, you may need to get imaging (mammogram and/or ultrasound) and wait a little more time. Depending on what the imaging shows, you may be able to have a procedure to aspirate or drain the lumps if it is a cyst, although this is unlikely if it is firm and painful. If the exam and imaging is consistent with fat necrosis and it does not go away after ample time and waiting, you may need to have a procedure to cut those areas out. Again, it is important to see the surgeon who did the breast reduction surgery to have an evaluation by a plastic surgeon.

I'm sorry to hear that you are experiencing pain and discomfort after your breast reduction surgery. It's not uncommon to have some discomfort and swelling after the procedure, but persistent pain and lumps may indicate a complication that requires medical attention.

I recommend that you contact your plastic surgeon and describe your symptoms to them. They will be able to examine you and determine the cause of your pain and discomfort.

Some possible causes of pain and lumps after breast reduction surgery include:

Hematoma: a collection of blood that forms under the skin and can cause swelling and pain.
Seroma: a collection of clear fluid that can accumulate after surgery and cause swelling and discomfort.
Infection: an infection can cause pain, redness, and swelling in the affected area.
Scar tissue: the formation of scar tissue can cause pain and stiffness in the breast.
Your plastic surgeon may recommend further imaging or tests to determine the cause of your symptoms. Treatment options may include medication, drainage of fluid or blood, or revision surgery.

In the meantime, you can try using pain medications as prescribed by your surgeon, wearing a supportive bra, and applying ice packs to reduce swelling and discomfort. It's important to follow your surgeon's post-operative instructions closely and avoid any activities that may worsen your symptoms.

Best of luck !

Hardness and lumps after breast reduction surgery can be common and are typically a result of postoperative swelling, scar tissue formation, or fat necrosis. While these issues may resolve on their own over time, there are several steps you can take to help alleviate discomfort and promote healing:
1. Follow Postoperative Instructions: Adhere to your plastic surgeon's postoperative instructions carefully, including any recommendations for wound care, compression garment use, and activity restrictions. Following these instructions can help minimize complications and promote proper healing.
2. Massage Therapy: Gentle massage techniques, as recommended by your plastic surgeon, can help soften scar tissue and reduce lumpiness. Massaging the affected areas with moisturizing lotion or oil can also improve circulation and promote tissue healing. However, it's essential to follow your plastic surgeon's specific instructions regarding when and how to perform massage therapy to avoid causing harm or disrupting healing tissues.
3. Compression Garments: Wearing compression garments or surgical bras as prescribed by your plastic surgeon can help reduce swelling and provide support to the breasts, which may help alleviate hardness and discomfort. Be sure to wear the compression garments as directed and avoid removing them prematurely unless advised by your plastic surgeon.
4. Cold Therapy: Applying cold packs or ice packs to the affected areas can help reduce swelling and alleviate discomfort. Be sure to use a thin cloth or towel as a barrier between the cold pack and your skin to prevent frostbite or skin irritation. Follow your plastic surgeon's recommendations regarding the duration and frequency of cold therapy.
5. Stay Hydrated and Maintain a Healthy Diet: Drinking plenty of water and following a nutritious diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can support overall healing and tissue regeneration. Avoiding excessive salt intake may also help minimize swelling.
6. Follow-Up with Your Surgeon: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your plastic surgeon so they can assess your progress, address any concerns, and provide additional guidance or treatment as needed. Be sure to communicate any changes or new symptoms you may experience, such as increased pain, redness, or drainage from the surgical site.
7. Patience and Time: It's essential to be patient and allow your body time to heal properly. In many cases, hardness and lumps will gradually resolve on their own over several weeks to months as swelling subsides, and scar tissue matures. However, if you have persistent or concerning symptoms, be sure to consult with your plastic surgeon for further evaluation and management.
If you have any concerns or experience severe or worsening symptoms, such as excessive pain, redness, or drainage from the surgical site, contact your plastic surgeon immediately for evaluation and guidance. They can provide recommendations and interventions to address your specific concerns and promote optimal healing after breast reduction surgery.

Hardness and lumps following breast reduction surgery can occur for various reasons, including swelling, scar tissue formation, or the presence of fat necrosis (a condition where fatty tissue becomes firm due to insufficient blood supply). Here are some steps you can take to help alleviate these issues:1. Follow Postoperative Instructions: Make sure you're following your plastic surgeon's postoperative instructions carefully. This may include wearing compression garments, taking prescribed medications, and avoiding strenuous activities that could exacerbate swelling or discomfort.2. Massage: Gentle massage of the breasts can help improve circulation, break up scar tissue, and reduce hardness. Your plastic surgeon can advise you on the appropriate technique and timing for breast massage following surgery.3. Warm Compresses: Applying warm compresses to the affected areas can help relieve discomfort and promote blood flow, which may aid in resolving hardness and lumps.4. Topical Treatments: Your plastic surgeon may recommend topical treatments, such as scar creams or gels, to help soften scar tissue and improve the appearance and texture of the breasts.5. Time and Patience: It's important to remember that some degree of hardness and lumps is normal during the healing process after breast reduction surgery. In many cases, these issues will improve over time as your body heals and adjusts to the changes from surgery.6. Follow-up with Your Surgeon: If you're experiencing persistent or worsening hardness, lumps, or other concerns after breast reduction surgery, it's essential to follow up with your plastic surgeon for evaluation and guidance. They can assess your condition, provide recommendations, and address any potential complications that may arise.In some cases, additional treatments or interventions may be necessary to address persistent hardness or lumps, such as steroid injections to reduce inflammation or surgical revision to address scar tissue or other issues. Your plastic surgeon can determine the most appropriate course of action based on your specific circumstances and concerns.

You need to go back to your surgeon and be checked for areas of fat necrosis. If present, some could be removed.

I’m sorry to hear that you have pain after breast reduction. But there could be a variety of reasons for the pain, tingling, and lumps you're experiencing after your breast reduction surgery. It's important to consult with your surgeon or a medical professional to address your concerns and receive proper guidance. They'll be able to assess your situation, possibly perform tests, and recommend appropriate measures to help alleviate your discomfort.

I'm sorry to hear of the issues you are having since your breast reduction. The first step to to find the nature of the lumps. Are they cysts? Scar tissue? I encourage you to begin by visiting with your surgeon. Tests such as an ultrasound or mammogram may be needed to assist in proper diagnosis and treatment.