Hard Lump 8 weeks post op BR

[cdartj]

8 Weeks ago I had br done - 565gr removed from the left and 785gr removed from the right. About two weeks after the surgery I noticed a hard lump in my right breast top - half of nipple up and out - it's about 3.5 inches long and 2.5 inches wide. I called my PS about it at that time - told them it felt like a potatoe was left in there, they said it was normal. I say my Gp this week for unrelated issues, she checked me out said she had concerns about the lump and sent me for an ultrasound. The radiologist said it didn't look like anything "scary" although it did seem atypical does not appear to be a cyst or hemeatoma (sp).
Everyone agreed I should follow up with my PS which I am doing on Monday - I am just wondering if this is normal and if it's fat necrosis (sp?) does that ever have to be removed surgically or can it just stay there...also any suggestions for the type of questions I should be asking when I see the PS (who is very nice but isn't inclined to volunteer any information unless asked specific questions).

Thanks for your insight.

[Howard Rosenberg, MD]

The most common lumps that appear after breast reduction surgery are scarring associated with fat necrosis.  This is a benign condition and does not need to be excised unless it is bothersome to you.

[sketti]

I had my surgery 6 mths ago and mine has not gone away.  My PS was hoping it would and has been watching it.  We did some type of injection in one part 2 weeks ago and I am going back in 2 weeks for him to check the other 2 areas.  It definitely did not get better over time for me.  It was there soon after surgery and has been for 6 mths now.  

[cdartj]

Thank you for your comments - does the lump still bother you? Did your PS say what would need to be done going forward? And did he say what it was?

I'm definitely anxious to see my PS on Monday just for the reassurance that it's nothing to be concerned about. I have definitely been more sore since the ultrasound...I think all that pressing on it aggrevated the entire breast.

Thanks again for sharing your experience, gl moving forward...please keep me informed if you'd like and I'll let you know what I find out as well.

[cdartj]

Right now there's an achey feeling with it - feels bruised...and it goes out from my breast to under my arm - I'm guessing that this should resolve with time - I know that this was a major surgery and that even though I'm at 8 weeks - I still have a ways to go for the healing to be complete.

Thank you for your insight, and as I said I am followig up on Monday with my plastic surgeon.