A large percentage of my client base are patients who have gone through various types of breast surgeries. Over the past couple of years, I’ve been seeing more patients who are seeking help with a complication that can develop after having breast surgery: fat necrosis. Since I’ve been seeing more of these patients, I thought it would be a good idea to let others know that massage can help. Let’s explore how incorporating massage into your treatment plan for fat necrosis can help.
What is Fat Necrosis?
Fat necrosis is a complication when an area of fatty tissue is damaged and forms into a firm lump due to insufficient blood supply or trauma. It occurs when the fat cells in a particular area of the body experience damage or disruption, leading to inflammation and tissue death. The damaged fat cells form firm lumps or nodules that may be tender or painful to the touch. While breast fat necrosis is most common, it can also affect other areas, such as the abdomen, buttocks, and thighs.
Fat necrosis can be a complication post breast reconstruction using autologous tissue (a flap of your own tissue), breast reduction, fat grafting, radiation, or trauma. The lump(s) can be as small as a pea or quite large, taking over a good portion of the breast. The lump is not usually painful but can cause discomfort as the tissue can be quite hard. It may also alter the breast’s esthetic look, discouraging patients. For individuals who have been through breast cancer, these lumps can cause anxiety, making them think it’s a cancer recurrence. For these reasons, a person may seek treatments to help improve fatty necrosis.
How to Get Rid of Fat Necrosis
There are several common approaches used to address fat necrosis:
Surgical removal – If the fat necrosis is causing significant pain, affecting your mobility, or there is a risk of infection, your doctor may recommend surgical removal of the affected tissue. This procedure is typically performed under local or general anesthesia, and the necrotic tissue is excised.
Aspiration or drainage – If a fluid-filled cyst or abscess is associated with fat necrosis, your doctor may opt for aspiration or drainage. This involves using a needle to remove the fluid, relieving discomfort, and reducing the size of the cyst.
Medications – Depending on the specific circumstances, your doctor may prescribe medications to manage pain or treat any underlying conditions contributing to fat necrosis. For example, if the necrosis is caused by trauma or injury, pain medication and anti-inflammatory drugs may be recommended.
Every case of fat necrosis is different. Your healthcare professional will be able to perform an assessment and recommend the best course of action. While massage therapy is not a replacement for medical treatment, it can be an effective complementary treatment for fat necrosis.
How Can Massage Therapy Help?
Massage therapy can provide several benefits for individuals with fat necrosis. Here are some ways in which massage may help:
Improved Blood Circulation – Massage techniques, such as effleurage and kneading, can stimulate blood flow to the affected area. Increased circulation promotes oxygen and nutrient delivery to the damaged tissues, which may aid healing.
Reduction of Discomfort and Pain – Massage can help alleviate pain and discomfort associated with fat necrosis. The gentle manipulation of tissues and the release of endorphins during massage can help reduce pain sensations and provide relaxation.
Promotion of Healing and Tissue Repair – Massage therapy may promote tissue healing by encouraging lymphatic drainage and reducing inflammation. By assisting the body’s natural healing mechanisms, massage can potentially support the resolution of fat necrosis and improve overall tissue health.
How Effective is Massage for Fat Necrosis?
Various massage techniques can help reduce the size, improve the feel of the fat necrosis, and improve esthetics. It’s treated like scar tissue requiring firm pressure and moving it in multiple directions. Does fat necrosis go away completely? The results vary for everyone and how large the “lumps” are. It also depends on whether the tissue has been radiated. Radiated skin is more difficult as the skin is permanently changed post radiation and tends to feel firmer. However, even with irradiated skin, I’ve seen improvements in overall tissue health post massage.
A common question I get is, “How long will it take to improve?”. This question is difficult to answer as no two cases are the same. Everyone responds differently to the treatment. I usually recommend 3-4 massage treatments to start and then reassess the tissue to see how the patient responds to the treatment to see where we go from there.
Incorporating Massage into Your Fat Necrosis Treatment Plan
Incorporating massage into treating fat necrosis can be complementary to alleviate discomfort, promote healing, and enhance overall well-being. When considering massage as part of the treatment plan, it is essential to collaborate with healthcare professionals who can provide guidance and ensure it aligns with individual needs. They can determine the suitability of massage therapy, considering the specific characteristics and severity of fat necrosis, and provide insights into any precautions that must be considered.
Your individualized treatment plan may involve a combination of massage sessions, incorporating techniques such as effleurage, kneading, and lymphatic drainage, along with other supportive measures. Regular communication between the healthcare team, the massage therapist, and the individual can help assess progress and make necessary adjustments. It is important to note that massage should not replace medical treatment but complement it.
By integrating massage into their treatment, individuals with fat necrosis can experience relief, improved circulation, reduced pain, and support in the healing process. If you have been diagnosed with fat necrosis and are seeking treatment or answers to your questions about treatment, feel free to reach out. I’m here to help!
If you have been diagnosed with fat necrosis and are seeking treatment or answers to your questions around treatment, feel free to reach out. I’m here to help!
Written By:
Karen Kingsley, Registered Massage Therapist
