Hard Lump Where My Drainage Tubes Were Post-BA- Will It Improve?

Question

I am 3 weeks post op from breast augmentation surgery and have discovered hard lumps where the drainage tubes came out (they were in for 24 hours) Will this get better over time or is there something I can do to help it along?

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	The tissue reaction around the drains  will soften up over the course of the next few months and should not be an issue long-term.

	I hope this helps.

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

You should also be able to feel that your incision is also firm--this is a normal part of the healing process, and complete softening occurs over many weeks and months as scar tissue matures.

	Of greater concern to me is that drains were used in the first place. Was there so much bleeding that your surgeon felt compelled to stop surgery before all bleeders (even the small ones) were controlled and the pocket irrigated until clear? Blood and bacteria (even "normal" skin or ductal bacteria) are the two most common causes of capsular contracture. While that fluid or blood was draining out, there was a breach in your body (the drainage tube) along which bacteria could enter into the (otherwise sterile) pocket. Sort of like rats along a docked ship's hawsers (mooring ropes).

	Since you are at 3 weeks post-op, you can begin gentle Vitamin E massage to help soften both your incision and the drain sites. Keep your scars out of the sun until completely faded (6-12 months), and if you note the onset of any firmness, see your surgeon immediately for consideration of Accolate or Singulair therapy (unproven but potentially helpful for early capsular contracture). Best wishes!

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Hi Minna,

	I recommend you have your PS examine you first before massaging area. If your surgeon is certain no infection is present, then rest assured that these 'lumps' will resolve on their own with time. Make sure you keep area clean and dry to accelerate healing. Best wishes, Dr. H

Beverly Friedlander, MD · Answer

Firmness at the location of a drain site is fairly common.  This typically resolves spontaneously.  Massaging the area may be helpful but  speak to your surgeon about this before you proceed.

Donald Nunn, MD (retired) · Answer

This should improve over time.  You have some scar tissue that generally improves over time and is usually is aided with massage of the area.  Donald R. Nunn MD  Atlanta Plastic Surgeon.

Hard Lump Where My Drainage Tubes Were Post-BA- Will It Improve?

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Answer: Hard lump at drain site

Answer: Hard lump at drain site

Answer: Hardness where drainage tubes were placed

Answer: Hardness where drainage tubes were placed

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Hard Lump Where My Drainage Tubes Were Post-BA- Will It Improve?

Answers (6)

Answer: Hard lump at drain site

Answer: Hard lump at drain site

Answer: Hardness where drainage tubes were placed

Answer: Hardness where drainage tubes were placed

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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