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Low-Intensity Laser Therapy for Benign Fibrotic Lumps in the Breast Following Reduction Mammaplasty

EL Nussbaum, PT, is Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Therapy, University of Toronto, and Academic Practice Leader, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada.

Address all correspondence to Ms Nussbaum at Department of Physical Therapy, University of Toronto, 256 McCaul St, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5T 1W5 (e.nussbaum{at}utoronto.ca)

Background and Purpose. Fibrotic masses in the breast secondary to fat necrosis or hematoma are a complication of breast reduction mammaplasty. The treatment commonly recommended for this condition is early surgical debridement of necrotic tissue from the entire area, which causes scarring. This case report describes the use of low-intensity laser therapy for fibrotic lumps following reduction mammaplasty. Case Description. The patient was a 46-year-old woman who had breast reduction surgery 80 days prior to referral for physical therapy. At the time of referral, the largest mass was 8.0 cm in diameter. The patient reported pain and said she was distressed about the breast disfigurement. Laser irradiation was initiated at an energy density (ED) of 20 J/cm² and a pulse repetition rate of 5,000 pulses per second. The laser settings were adjusted during the 8-month treatment period. The final ED was 50 J/cm². Outcomes. The mass was 33% of its original size after 3 treatments over the initial 11-day period. Pain relief was immediate. The rate of resolution decreased after the initial period. The patient had some tissue thickening at the time of discharge after 6 months of treatment. Discussion. This case demonstrates the potential use of laser therapy as a treatment for benign breast lumps following mammaplasty.

Key Words: Fibrosis • Low-intensity laser therapy • Mammaplasty complication

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