Can injury to the breast tissue cause necrosis after six months?

Question

I had a breast fat transfer procedure about 6-7 months ago and I recently walked right into the edge of my dresser pretty hard on my nipple area, it hurt! I am a little worried because I feel it tender and a bit harder like a little lump. Could you still lose breast fat after this long from a jab to the breast from the corner of a dresser?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Bekah7454,
fat necrosis can happen anytime after blunt trauma. You should get an examination in case you have concerns. 
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Stefan Mark Szczerba, MD · Answer

After about 3-4 weeks I think incidental trauma usually doesn't cause issues however trauma to the breast (even without fat graft) can leave a lump of internal scar.  I would watch that and consider an imaging study if this does not resolve.  Best Wishes!!

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Injury that is hard enough can cause fat necrosis in any part of the body, including transferred fat to your breast. Try gentle massage and cold to see if it improves. If needed, more fat can be added later once settled down.

Matt Novak, MD · Answer

Injury to breast tissue, including trauma or injury that occurs six months after a fat transfer procedure, can potentially increase the risk of complications such as tissue necrosis. Fat transfer to the breast involves the transplantation of fat cells from one area of the body to the breasts, and the survival of these fat cells depends on the establishment of a blood supply in their new location.
Immediately after a fat transfer, the newly transferred fat cells are vulnerable to injury and disruption. However, over the course of several months, the body typically establishes a blood supply to support these cells, and the risk of complications like tissue necrosis decreases significantly. By the six-month mark, a substantial portion of the transferred fat cells should have successfully integrated into the breast tissue.
That said, any significant trauma or injury to the breast tissue at any time, including six months post-surgery, can potentially disrupt the blood supply to the fat cells, which may lead to necrosis in the affected area. Signs of fat necrosis can include pain, lumpiness, and changes in the appearance of the breast.
If you suspect that you have experienced an injury or trauma to your breast tissue after a fat transfer procedure, it's important to consult with your surgeon as soon as possible. They can assess the situation, provide appropriate guidance, and recommend any necessary treatments to address the issue. Early intervention is key to managing potential complications effectively.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

At six months, your results are final, and that said any soft tissue can be damaged from sufficient trauma whether it’s grafted, fat or native fat there all along.
I don’t think there’s much to do at this point other than wait and see. I think it’s unlikely you created in the force to cause tissue necrosis.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

Can injury to the breast tissue cause necrosis after six months?

Answers (5)

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