What should I do if a fat necrosis lump has lasted over 2 years?

Question

I had a breast reduction in July of 2016 and not long after surgery noticed a hard lump and was informed by my doctor that it was fat necrosis. I massaged it regularly as instructed but, while it has gotten smaller over the past two and a half years, it has by no means gone away. After this long should I go to another doctor about getting some sort of removal or should I continue hoping it will just go away on its own

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Areas of fat necrosis can be treated surgically;  nonsurgical management is an option also. If the area of fat necrosis is small, it may take a few weeks or months to dissipate;  for larger areas, it may take several months (or longer).  Sometimes, patients will experience drainage as the unhealthy tissue liquefies and makes its way out.    In cases, like yours, where the fat necrosis remains longer-term, patients need to consider the pros/cons associated with excision.  Overall, if the area can be excised, without causing significant "deformity" or breast asymmetry, I would recommend excision (so as to avoid interference with self breast exam and/or breast imaging).

Best wishes.

Leonard Tachmes, MD · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
A breast mass following breast reduction most likely represents fat necrosis, but could also represent a mass of different cause, unmasked by removal of excess tissue. As it has been getting smaller over time, it suggests the former. After 2 1/2 years, the lump most likely has settled down to its final size. 
If radiographically benign and not demonstrating change, it can be left alone, although some may desire removal. 
Speak with your plastic surgeon regarding pros and cons.
Best wishes...

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

Fat necrosis can occur following fat transplantation. This will result in the fat cells becoming calcified or hardened which you feel as a lump. These fat cells will be gradually reabsorbed by your body. You can help this process by messaging the caclified cells thereby breaking them down into smaller pieces. This process does take a few years to be completed. If you have tenderness or it the lump is large, you can have it removed by excision.

Lynn D. Derby, MD (retired) · Answer

A lump of fat necrosis might or might not go away on its own.  It is safe to leave it alone as long as it is not causing symptoms (such as pain or tenderness), and is not interfering with breast cancer screening (breast exams and mammograms).  If it is symptomatic, needle aspiration and/or excision could be needed.  The necrotic fat sometimes breaks down to form a cyst full of oil, which could be aspirated out with a needle.  If it has become more solid scar tissue, it could be excised surgically.

What should I do if a fat necrosis lump has lasted over 2 years?

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What should I do if a fat necrosis lump has lasted over 2 years?

Answers (4)

Answer: Is it causing symptoms?

Answer: Is it causing symptoms?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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