3 weeks post op Breast Reduction, there is a bar areas and hardness under my breast. Should I be worried?

Question

I went to do my breast reduction surgery almost 3 weeks ago it seems like my swelling has gone down quite a bit but now I feel hardness at the long line underneth my nipple on both sides. Should I be worried about fat necrocess

Bryson G. Richards, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.You are describing some hardness or enduration under the incision on both sides of your breast after breast reduction surgery. This is normal wound healing. Scar tissue hits a peak of hardness and redness at 6 weeks after surgery. For the 3 to 6 months after, you will notice a significant softening that will occur while the wound matures and remodels.I hope this helps.- Dr. Bryson G. Richards, MD

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

The areas you feel may represent swelling or fat necrosis.  An exam is the best way to determine the diagnosis and treatment

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

It is normal to feel firmness along scars.  This is the actual scar tissue that forms and over time it will soften.  Most often you just let it be.  Sometimes your surgeon may recommend massage to help speed up the softening.  It is very common and should not cause you any concerns or anxiety.  If you do feel uncomfortable about this, talk to your surgeon.

Hayley Brown, MD, FACS · Answer

Firmness commonly occurs after breast reduction usually 2-3 weeks after surgery. It is a normal response to healing. The breast tissue will gradually soften up over months. Sometimes it takes 6 month for a soft normal breast exam without any lumps of scar tissue. I would discuss with your plastic surgeon.

Diana Breister-Ghosh, MD · Answer

It is absolutely normal to feel firmness along the areas of incisions for up to 4 months after surgery.  It can be helpful to gently massage these areas.  Fat necrosis is rare, and may not present until several months following surgery.

3 weeks post op Breast Reduction, there is a bar areas and hardness under my breast. Should I be worried?

Answers (5)

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