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Neets's avatar
Neets
Member
15 hours ago

Post surgery changes

Good morning, I have a quick question to any women who have had lumpectomy/s and where the surgeon removed fat from under the underarm area right side only for me (side boob) to refill breast/s. I had lumpectomy's on both breasts at the same time, early cancers, both hormone positive ILC & IDC over a year ago now. My question is if they have been left with what looks like a small 3rd boob to me under their armpit that protrudes out. I cant understand how an area that has fat removed from it ends up bigger than before. It is uncomfortable, causes rubbing/friction that I did not have to contend with before and finding a bra that covers the area so the excess bulk doesn't get squeezed out from and overhangs from the bra line is frustrating. I only have B-Cup breasts and never had to wear heavy duty thick/wide band bras before because I wasn't big or had a lot of fat in the side boob area. Since surgery & having the fat apparently removed to fill the area my small tumours were removed from, I am now left with a bulge that is very noticeable from both the front & back. I dont wear singlet tops any more because the bulge is too noticeable. Very disappointing because I was not told about this outcome, only that there will be scar/s, which I have & don't concern me at all. Having a bulge/mass sticking out from the side of your breast seems more notable to mention than whatever scars might be left behind. Had I known I would not have had my breasts "refilled" from the small tumours removed. Any lop-sidedness or unevenness if any would have been fixed with a bit of padding, which most bras come with these days. I feel I have acquired a 3rd boob that is very noticeable whether I am clothed or not. Has this been any one else's experience?

lumpectomy
side-effects
surgery

3 Replies

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  • Mazza1949's avatar
    Mazza1949
    Member
    6 hours ago

    Hi Neets. I had a mastectomy of left breast in February this year and have also been left with a “third boob” that is very noticeable and uncomfortable. When I went for my first checkup with the surgeon he told me it was quite normal but if it still worried me in about 12 months he could possibly remove it if I wanted. I feel like a freak every time I look at it and have trouble getting bras and prosthesis to fit properly so I understand how you feel. I definitely want it removed in the future.

  • Locksley's avatar
    Locksley
    Member
    6 hours ago

    Hello I had a lumpectomy and then later mastectomy.   I thought I would be flat after this surgery.   It was very lumpy and bumpy.  Under my arm I was left with what is called a "dog ear".  It's a flap of skin.  I would be so upset every time I saw it I relived the trauma.   I told my oncologist and breast care nurse and after 12 months in the public system I had a lovely female surgeon understand how I felt and she removed it. 

  • arpie's avatar
    arpie
    Member
    7 hours ago

    I am so sorry Neets​  that you've had this 'protuberance' following your surgery.

    I had a lumpectomy near my nipple & existing fat in the breast (which was larger than the other breast), was 'relocated' to fill in the 'gap' ... but over the last 7 years, it has 'subsided' into a bit of a 'dip' rather than becoming a lump.   My surgeon had offered to 'fix it' - but I've chosen not to. 

    But your issue, really needs major discussion with your surgeon.   My own opinion would be that they should 'fix it' at no charge to you.   

    Do you have a Breast Care Nurse?  I would contact them & see if they can 'intercede' on your behalf, to arrange a meeting & discussion re rectifying this unwanted development.  

    It should not have happened.

    Take care .... and all the best for a good resolution xx