Overview
Breast reduction scars are one of the most common bad outcomes of breast reduction surgery. As like breast enhancement or augmentation, breast reduction also involves an incision. Therefore, patients can experience a small amount of scarring after undergoing breast reduction surgery.
If you are afraid of scarring after breast reduction you should read this article. This article aims to provide every single piece of information about these scars.
The appearance of Breast Reduction Scars
Breast reduction scars from the surgical incision will look like a raised, thin line on your skin. In the beginning, the scarring area is pink or red in color and it becomes dark as the scars heal.
The appearance of the scars varies mainly depending on the patient’s ability to heal. Different factors like the technique used and skin tone color also count on the scars’ appearance.
People with darker skin may be at greater risk of possibly raised thicker scars or hyperpigmentation. Fortunately, there are ways that help to reduce the scarring during and after the surgery.
Your first job should be to find out a board-certified plastic surgeon who ensures minimal scarring. Keep reading to learn more information.
Also read: Brazilian Butt Lift
Different Methods leave Different Scars
After finding an ideal plastic surgeon, you can try different methods that leave different scars. As with any surgery, you will experience scarring with breast reduction surgery.
Scarring range is basically based on the technique you are undergoing. There are two types of techniques shorter-scar versus larger-scar techniques. Be sure to ask your surgeon the difference between the two before the procedure.
Shorter Scar technique
In breast reduction surgery, this technique includes smaller incisions. This is an ideal procedure for those who want minimal to moderate breast reduction.
These techniques are not much effective for those who want a large reduction in breast size. The shorter scar technique is also called vertical or lollipop breast reduction and consists of two incisions.
In this method, the surgeon makes the first incision around the areola. In the second incision, he makes a cut under the areola on the underside of the breast. After incisions, he removes excess skin and fats before changing the breast into a smaller size.
Due to smaller incisions, the scarring is also limited to a small area of the breast. The scars can be noticed below the nipples and covered with the clothes.
Larger scar technique
The larger scar technique is the opposite of a shorter scar and causes more breast reduction scars. It covers three incisions:
- First incision, between the areola and crease under the breast
- Second, around the areola
- Third, horizontally along the crease
This technique is very effective for those who want a large reduction in breast size.
Scarless Breast Reduction
You cannot avoid breast reduction scars after a surgical procedure to reduce breast size. However, there are some people that can be good candidates for breast reduction using only liposuction.
Some experts often referred liposuction to as a “scarless” breast reduction technique. Liposuction, unlike other breast reduction methods, only needs 2 to 3mm small incisions. Small cannulas are gradually inserted through incisions that suck the excess fat.
In the male breast reduction technique, this method is very common and effective.
Are breast reduction scars permanent?
Scars caused by any surgical incision do not disappear completely. However, breast reduction scars gradually become light in color and softer over time.
They become less noticeable with the passage of time. Especially, if you do good aftercare of the wound after the breast reduction surgery. If you left them untreated or do not do good aftercare, they may become more noticeable. They may become worsened by:
- Tanning
- Smoking
- Excessive scrubbing
- Scratching or itching the area
Make sure to ask your doctor about aftercare and scar reduction techniques after surgery.
You should be borne in mind to not use the over-the-counter scar removal method without your doctor’s advice. Because some products can possibly lead to an increase in the risk of rash and irritation.
Breast Reduction Scar Care
After breast reduction surgery, it is not possible to avoid scars completely. However, there are certain ways that can help to minimize the appearance of your scars.
- Avoid gaining weight during recovery, this can lead to scar widening
- Avoid smoking cigarettes and other tobacco products, these can disrupt healing
- Do not take any stress, it adversely affects your ability to heal
- Limit your exposure to direct sunlight or UV rays
Follow your surgeon’s guidelines for post-care before your incisions turn into scars. He will advise you to wear a surgical bra and chest bandages for a few days after the surgery.
Once the incision close and scars on the incision occur, there are scar-minimizing techniques. You can consider these techniques during the healing process but do not use them without a doctor’s suggestion.
Scar gels or Silicon Sheets
Scar gel or silicon sheets are the over-the-counter solutions for scars. Silicon sheets may be helpful after the surgery to reduce itching, pain, and other discomforts.
Scar gels on the other hand can be helpful to reduce the appearance of the scars. With daily use of gel, the scars become shrink in size and fade in color.
Massage of breast reduction scars
Use gentle massage of your breast reduction scar to further diminish their appearance. This technique involves the gentle movement of the fingertips on the scars.
Gently, massage your scars horizontally – vertically, and then in a circle. This will help to prevent raised scars due to collagen buildup and reduces discomfort. It is recommended to wait about two weeks after the surgery for massaging scars.
Massage your scar for 10 minutes at a time and you can repeat it 3 times a day.
Sunscreen
Make sure to use sunscreen every day even if the breast reduction scars are not directly exposed to the sun. UV rays or direct sunlight can darken the scars.
Always use sunscreen which is prescribed by your doctor. Some sunscreens can cause allergic reactions or infection, therefore, use allergy-free sunscreen.
How can I get the scars removed?
You can remove your scars by surgery which is usually performed by a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon.
This is a surgical procedure that leaves a new scar in the place of the previous scar. Fortunately, the new scar will be smaller in size, finer, and less noticeable.
There are different methods of scar removal such as:
- Punch Grafting
- Laser therapy
- Chemical Peels
- Tissue Expansion
- Topical Bleaching medications
Conclusions
Breast reduction scars are unavoidable in the surgery of breast reduction. However, choosing an experienced surgeon may minimize the risk of scarring.
Before choosing a surgeon, do extensive research about them. Ask them for their portfolio and see before and after surgery pictures of their previous work. This will help in assessing their work experience, as well as scars after the surgery.
For fast healing, you must follow the aftercare instructions given by your doctor.
Note: This article is just for informational purposes to help people, not for professional use. Do not hesitate to contact us, if you have any additional questions regarding this topic, we are always here for your help. Thanks for reading, stay healthy!
