What It Is

Fat necrosis is a benign condition where fat cells die and form firm lumps under the skin, often after surgery, trauma, or fat grafting procedures. It can occur in areas such as the breast, buttocks, thighs, or face following cosmetic or reconstructive surgery. While non-cancerous, fat necrosis can cause hard nodules, pain, oil cysts, or contour irregularities that concern patients both cosmetically and functionally.

In Korea, fat necrosis management involves a range of diagnostic imaging, non-surgical therapies, and surgical interventions to ensure the lumps are benign and to restore smooth, natural contours.

Why It’s Done

Patients seek treatment for fat necrosis because:

• They feel hard lumps or nodules after surgery.
• The area may look irregular, dimpled, or asymmetrical.
• They experience tenderness or pain at the site.
• They want reassurance that the lump is not cancer (especially in the breast).

Good candidates include:

• Patients with a confirmed or suspected fat necrosis diagnosis.
• Those experiencing cosmetic concerns or physical discomfort.
• Individuals who want a natural and smooth appearance after surgery.

Alternatives

• Observation: Small, painless lumps can be monitored as they often soften or shrink over time.
• Aspiration: If oil cysts form, fluid may be drained with a needle.
• No treatment: Suitable if the lump is small, non-painful, and cosmetically acceptable.

Preparation

Before fat necrosis management in Korea, patients will:

• Undergo ultrasound or MRI to confirm diagnosis and rule out malignancy.
• Review their surgical history (fat grafting, liposuction, trauma, or flap surgery).
• Avoid unnecessary invasive procedures until imaging confirms the condition is benign.

How It’s Done

• Non-invasive monitoring: For small, asymptomatic nodules.
• Aspiration: A fine needle is used to drain liquefied fat or oil cysts.
• Steroid injections: May be used to reduce inflammation in some cases.
• Surgical excision: Firm or symptomatic nodules are surgically removed, especially if they cause contour deformity.
• Corrective fat grafting or contour surgery: Performed if excision leaves irregularities.
• Duration: 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on treatment type.

Recovery

• After aspiration or injection: Minimal downtime, mild swelling or bruising for a few days.
• After excision: Stitches removed in 7–10 days; most return to normal activity within 1–2 weeks.
• Final results: Improvement in comfort and contour within weeks to months.

Possible Complications

• Recurrence of fat necrosis or cyst formation.
• Infection at the treatment site.
• Visible scarring after excision (minimized with Korean scar-reduction methods).
• Residual contour irregularities.
• Rare risks: misdiagnosis (why imaging is essential).

Treatment Options in Korea

Diagnosis

• Ultrasound and MRI to confirm fat necrosis and differentiate it from tumors.
• Biopsy in rare cases when diagnosis is uncertain.

Medical Treatments

• Observation for mild cases.
• Pain management and anti-inflammatory medications.
• Needle aspiration for cystic lesions.

Surgical or Advanced Therapies

• Excision of solid necrotic fat lumps.
• Corrective liposuction or fat grafting to restore smooth contour.
• Scar revision techniques if excision leaves noticeable marks.

Rehabilitation and Support

• Follow-up imaging to ensure complete treatment.
• Scar care with silicone gels, lasers, or microneedling.
• Emotional support for patients concerned about lumps in areas like the breast.
• International patients benefit from Korea’s integrated diagnostic systems, minimally invasive techniques, and cosmetic refinement in revision care.