4 weeks post op from fat grafting and breast revision. I'm left with a dent on my back. Is this permanent? (photo)

Question

I am petite and didn't have much fat to begin with at 110lbs, but needed the lipo to put fat in the upper pole yo my breasts. I'm left with this large dent now. Is this permanent? Dr said to massage. How often, how much pressure? Is this permanent? I also have lumps where the fat was taken from my groin and where it was injected into my breasts. I'm just concerned.

D`Arcy Honeycutt, MD · Answer

Hello, I recommend doing the massage as your surgeon suggested.  After three months you will need to decide if the dent remains and then make a plan.  Perhaps there is nearby edema that accentuates the depression.  You can still expect some some improvement.

Tracy Kayan, MD · Answer

Thank you for including your photo. One of the more common complications after liposuction is a contour abnormality or dent, as you show in your photo. At this point, fairly aggressive massage per your surgeon's instructions would be an appropriate treatment, and I usually tell my patients to do this at least three times per day for 5 minutes at a minimum for each time. It's sometimes better to have someone else do it for you for at least one of those sessions, as an external person may have a better angle of force. The massage should be fairly aggressive, and often I recommend either using a rolling pin or one of those specialized massager type devices with protruding wooden or plastic "knobs" to get at a deeper level. Some areas can have lumpiness after liposuction from scar tissue or small hematomas. The lumps in your breasts may go away after some time, but I would talk to your surgeon specifically about these.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Thanks for the question and photo.Rarely does a dent disappear when present for 4 weeks.  Massaging will help around it so continue doing that and it may resolve.  Give it two more months to decide what is permanent and not.  The lumps are normal and will resolved over time.Good luck.Dr T

Julie Khanna, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Good morning and thank you for your question and photo.  It is quite normal to have lumps and bumps etc. for several months after surgery with final result, even from the fat harvested areas, being generally one year post op.  Massaging is the best thing to do, a couple of times a day, usually in a circular motion and with a pressure that is firm but not painful.  Always be sure to be checking in with your plastic surgeon to have your progress tracked and best of luck!Dr. K.

4 weeks post op from fat grafting and breast revision. I'm left with a dent on my back. Is this permanent? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: 4 weeks post op from fat grafting and breast revision

Answer: 4 weeks post op from fat grafting and breast revision

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Everything you need to know about Breast Fat Transfer

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4 weeks post op from fat grafting and breast revision. I'm left with a dent on my back. Is this permanent? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: 4 weeks post op from fat grafting and breast revision

Answer: 4 weeks post op from fat grafting and breast revision

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Fat Transfer

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.