Hardened masses that appear post-fat grafting breast augmentation are typically caused by fat necrosis. Fat necrosis is a common complication that may result in either hardened lumps or oil cysts. Oil cysts occur when fat necrosis dissolves and forms a calcified cyst over liquid fat, which feels smooth and pliable.
Answer: After fat transfer surgery, it is normal to have a moderate degree of swelling related to the procedure. Initially this swelling is manifest by a certain degree of firmness, which over time, will soften. Long-term, the area should not feel hard.
They continue to soften and improve in feel and appearance over the next 2-3 months. By around 2-3 months the volume is stable.
Fat necrosis is death of fat tissue due to injury and loss of blood supply. It can occur from trauma or as a complication of surgery. It can cause hard lumps to form under your skin, resembling tumors. However, it's harmless and usually goes away on its own.
Breast fat necrosis symptoms
Lumps can feel either hard and round like a pea or small grape or like a larger, hardened mass. After flap reconstruction, you might not notice a lump until several months later, once the flap has healed and the swelling is gone.
According to the American Cancer Society, fat necrosis and oil cysts usually don't need to be treated. 5 Sometimes fat necrosis goes away on its own, as the body breaks it down over time. If you've recently had a breast injury or surgery and you suspect fat necrosis, try warm compresses and gentle massage.
Fat necrosis after BBL is a complication that can occur after Brazilian Butt Lift surgery. It happens when the transplanted fat cells do not receive an adequate blood supply, causing them to die. The dead fat cells then form hard lumps or nodules under the skin, which can be painful, uncomfortable, and unsightly.
They found that a little over 10% of patients experienced fat necrosis an average of 3.4 months after fat transfer. None of the patients experienced a recurrence of breast cancer.
If you feel hard bumps or lumps in your breasts, this may be a sign that your implants need to be replaced. Often, these lumps are caused by capsular contracture, which is a condition where the scar capsule contracts and squeezes the implant.
Don't: Move or massage the treated area for a few days post-op to avoid disturbing the fat cells before they can “settle in”
The BBL fluffing stage is essentially a period during the recovery process where the transferred fat cells start to settle and integrate with the existing tissues in the buttocks. This stage is marked by a reduction in initial swelling and a transition of the buttocks to a softer, more natural state.
A surgical fat transfer is generally a safe procedure, but it can occasionally result in: a collection of blood underneath the skin (haematoma) death of fat tissue (fat necrosis) a blockage in a blood vessel caused by a piece of fat (fat embolism)
Initially, the breast fat graft procedure does feel a little bit hard, it feels swollen, but over the next three to four weeks, it starts to soften up and feels incredibly natural. After seven to ten days, you probably will be able to go back to work and resume your normal activities.
The fat has a firm texture as a result. Heart disease, stroke, and other health issues have all been associated with hard fat. This is because it increases levels of LDL cholesterol. This “bad” cholesterol can accumulate in your arteries and create blockages.
Your body can't reject the transferred fat since it's your own tissue.
Hard lumps are not common after fat transfer to the breasts, but they happen occasionally and may raise alarm. Lumps can form when some of the donor tissue doesn't get enough blood. The fat deposits that don't survive turn into hard scar tissue that may or may not go away with time.
Necrosis has been categorized into different types based on distinct features, including appearance. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and fever, along with notable skin issues. Treatment typically includes surgery, along with medications and possible oxygen therapy.
Treatment of fat necrosis and oil cysts
As long as doctors are sure of the diagnosis, fat necrosis and oil cysts usually don't need to be treated. Sometimes fat necrosis goes away on its own. If a needle biopsy is done to remove the fluid in an oil cyst, it can also serve as treatment.
Fat necrosis does not usually need treatment
Fat necrosis is harmless so you will not usually need any treatment or follow-up. In most cases the body will break down the fat necrosis naturally over time. Depending on the size of the lump, this can take several months and sometimes years.
Treating and Managing Fat Necrosis Following a Tummy Tuck
Initial treatments may include: Massage and compression garments: These can help to reduce swelling and encourage blood flow. Application of warm compresses: This method can improve blood circulation to the affected area.
A seroma is a build-up of straw-coloured bodily fluids in an area where tissue has been removed at surgery. The fluid can make the area feel hard and this can become uncomfortable. Your surgeon may place a drain in the surgical site to control the fluid initially.
You may still notice residual inflammation and swelling in your buttock up to six months after the surgery, which causes your skin to feel slightly firm. However, for most patients, the fluffing stage usually begins three months after the surgery.
Breast Fat Necrosis Symptoms
Breast fat necrosis typically feels like a round, firm lump to the touch. You might experience tenderness, bruising, or dimpling in the area where the breast fat necrosis appears.