What are ways of treating fat necrosis after breast reduction/lift? (photo)

Question

I underwent a breast reduction/lift in January 2014. My left breast has a huge hard mass that takes up a 3"x1" (3 Tbsp) area in the lower part of the breast. My PS says it's fat necrosis. Can you give me options on how to take care of it instead of just waiting it out to see if the body absorbs it. It is not extremely painful, but it does hurt.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Sorry to hear about the problem.Fat necrosis may gradually decrease in size (may even liquefy and drain)  spontaneously. Other times, resection of the unhealthy tissue is necessary. If resection is undertaken it should be done in a conservative fashion avoiding removal of surrounding healthy tissue. Best wishes.

David Liland, MD · Answer

It is most likely fat necrosis , scar tissue, or old encapsulated hematoma. Needle biopsy can help with diagnosis but may not be at this stage not necessary. I would recommend to my patients a vigorous massage program to see if it can be softened more over the next 3-6 months. Keep your yearly mammogram appointment. further workup could consist of ultrasound, CT or MRI .

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

is usually allowed to diminish on its own.  If breasts are near equal in volume, my patients are asked to be patient as the size will go down with time.  If the necrosis is on the larger side, it could be something else and consideration would have to be given to other etiologies.  Bad masses do not shrink with time.

What are ways of treating fat necrosis after breast reduction/lift? (photo)

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What are ways of treating fat necrosis after breast reduction/lift? (photo)

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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