How to Treat the Lump on Breast After the Fat Transfer?

Question

i have done a fat transfer to breast 10 days ago, however, i noticed an obvious lump on my left breast while the right breast is not so serious. It feels terrible and created an uneven surface and a significant bump on my breast. Im so worrying it will be something like infection or untreated lump that came along with the procedure. Is there anything i can do with the lump?

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

This is a difficult question and first and foremost you need to carefully follow up with your plastic surgeon who I hope is board certified. The use of fat grafting to the breast has become readily accepted for reconstructive surgery, but more contraversial in cosmetic breast enhancement because of issues like yours. If your lump is swelling, seroma, or hematoma it should resolve quickly. If it is fat necrosis or a lump of viable fat that becomes discrete and remains palpable, it may require further treatment like aspiration or removal.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Early results will settle. Especially in the case of fat transfer, there will likely be some resorption and loss of volume which can lessen the appearance of contour irregularities. Those lumps or bumps which do not improve may necessitate aspiration or excision.While it may resolve, it is always best to discuss your concerns with board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Mario Diana, MD · Answer

The formation of an early lump after fat transfer is likely due to the presence of an uneven tissue are that is noticeable after resolution of the initial swelling.  A lump may be caused by:

	
		Uneven grafting
	
		Oil cyst
	
		Scar formation
	
		Other issue unrelated to the surgery


	A complete evaluation should indicate which problem is the most likely.  Treatment may include various interventions and will depend on what is the diagnosis of the lump.

Antonio Gayoso, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon to feel irregularities or 'lumps' in the immediate post operative period after fat grafting. Be sure to bring this area to the attention of your surgeon so that it can be followed closely. At Gayoso Plastic Surgery, I would follow this area closely. It may take several weeks to months for all of your swelling and healing to be complete. If a lump or irregularity is still present after healing is complete, often a small office procedure to remove this area can be done. The swelling can simply be from a small seroma or hematoma or it can be a small area of fat that did not survive the transfer (fat necrosis). Non of these conditions are serious but all should be followed closely by your surgeon until they have resolved.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

In my patients I follow a regime of massages, ultrasound, antibiotics first. Than direct aspiration if cyst after a sonogram. Best to be in close contact with your chosen surgeon.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

FAt injection ot the breast can cause several different things.  It may be fat necrosis, infection, hematoma, fluid collections, etc..  You should really see your surgeon to be evaluated.

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

Based on your description, it is hard to determine what is going on. You should contact your surgeon and express your concerns.

Kamran Khoobehi, MD · Answer

Early post surgery you should see surgeon. The lump can be infection,seroma,pooled fat or uneven fat injection. Please see your surgeon and make sure he/she is board certified plastic surgeon. This important issue for taking care of the problem post surgery.

How to Treat the Lump on Breast After the Fat Transfer?

Answers (8)