Breast reduction is a surgery that involves incisions on the surface of the skin, so some scarring is typically expected. However, you do not necessarily have to end up with massive scars just because you need a breast reduction. There are several different surgical techniques that result in different types of scars, and the severity of your scars can be affected by your genetics and your care after the surgery. Here’s what you need to know about scars following a breast reduction.
Where Are Breast Reduction Scars Located?
The location of your breast reduction scars will vary depending on what type of surgery you get. You may have anywhere between two to three scars. Some procedures only use a few small incisions to do a vertical breast reduction. This technique is called a “lollipop” surgery because the scars will circle around the areola and then go down vertically to the crease of the breast. It is also referred to as a shorter-scar technique because the incisions are smaller. This type of breast reduction can only be used in cases where the reduction is smaller and the patient does not want lifting. If a patient needs to go down more than a couple cup sizes, their surgeon will most likely suggest an anchor procedure. This involves incisions around the areola, horizontally along the bottom crease of the breast, and vertically between the areola and the breast crease.
What Do Breast Reduction Scars Look Like?
Once you finish the surgery, you can expect some scarring anywhere that an incision was done. In the weeks after your surgery, the incision areas will look reddened and lumpy. They may have an uneven color with patches of purple or darker red. As they heal, the scarring will typically begin to flatten and lighten. Genetics can affect the final look of your breast reduction scars. If you have very pale skin, the scars may appear darker than your skin, but they can look lighter than the surrounding area if you have darker skin. Some people are genetically predisposed to get keloids, which are raised scars that have a slightly thickened appearance, but this is quite rare. Those with thicker and more elastic skin tend to have better outcomes, and scarring is generally lessened when the patient is young and healthy.
How Do Breast Reduction Scars Change Over Time?
Over time, breast reductions cars will typically fade to look like thin, white lines. Within a few years, you may find that the scars are barely noticeable. The scarring around the areola tends to blend in to the areola over time. However, you do need to keep in mind that your scars can actually worsen over time if you do not take care of the area. Tanning, smoking, or irritating the area by scratching and scrubbing can all cause scar tissue to build up and create wider scars. Depending on how your scars heal over time, you may find that they cannot be viewed while clothed or wearing a bikini. However, some people find that the scars can be visible when they are wearing very thin clothing.
What You Can Do to Reduce Scarring
Be sure to follow all post-operative care instructions because any infection could worsen scarring. You will most likely need to wear bandages and a surgical bra in the week after your surgery. Try to keep everything clean and change the bandages as instructed. As the area heals, gently massage it with your fingertips. This can help to reduce the chance of getting a stiff and inflexible scar.
There are a few other things you can do to ensure that your scarring is as slight as possible. Smoking greatly impairs the body’s ability to heal, so you may want to consider stopping smoking if you currently use tobacco products. Drink plenty of water and eat a lot of fresh produce to give your body the nutrients it needs to heal. If you go out in the sun, wear sunscreen because UV rays can penetrate through fabric and darken scar tissue. All of these techniques will help to keep dark scars from forming, and if you are still unhappy with the appearance of your scars, you can get a scar removal procedure like laser therapy or chemical peels.
It is important to select an experienced surgeon because a skilled doctor can provide a better outcome with less scarring. Dr. Joseph W. Rucker Jr. is a board certified plastic surgeon that has been refining his techniques for over 20 years. He completed his training for five years in general surgery and a three-year residency in plastic surgery including a fellowship in breast reconstruction. He has performed more than 10,000 reconstructive and cosmetic surgery procedures. Contact Dr. Rucker to find out how you can get started on your breast reduction journey.