Lumps, thickening in breast after reduction surgery

[shore_tee]

I am 24 years old, and I had a breast reduction in December 2004; since then, I have had scar tissue (small lumps/hardness) in my breasts.  In my left breast, I have a few small lumps as well as an area where there is almost a visible line where the tissue gets thicker.  I also have some rippling around my nipple on my left breast.  On top of that, my right breast is significantly larger than the left.  I know that I'm young, and I have no family history of breast cancer, but I am worried based on the thickening, and rippling around my nipple.  Should I try to have some testing done, or does this sound like a normal occurance after reduction surgery?

[Howard Rosenberg, MD]

Your problem is related to the breast reduction surgery with scarring and possible fat necrosis which can produce lumps.  It is extremely unlikely that this problem is associated with breast disease.  You need a consultation with a plastic surgeon to confirm the basis for these lumps and thickening as well as to consider revision surgery to achieve better scar and symmetry.

[deb049]

A related discussion, What is cause for concern was started.