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4 Ways to Minimize Breast Reduction Surgery Scars

Breast reduction scars are an inevitable part of getting surgery, but they can be minimized with proper planning and follow-through. Following your surgeon’s directions closely and looking into scar massage and silicone scar reduction sheeting can do a great deal to reduce breast reduction scarring and appearance.

Because breast reduction surgery can produce such amazing results for patients who suffer from pain, rashes, and other issues related to having large breasts, it’s important not to let the idea of scars be the reason for not pursuing it. 

Let’s take a closer look at four of the ways you can minimize breast reduction scars.

What Does a Breast Reduction Scar Look Like?

What your breast reduction scars will look like depends on several factors. The most important factor will be what type of surgery surgical procedure is required to achieve your aesthetic goals.

At your consultation appointment, you will tell Dr. Schulman what you hope to achieve with your surgery. Many patients want to go down one or two cup sizes at least. Based on your current breast size, the makeup of your breast tissue, your skin elasticity, and your overall body composition and frame, Dr. Schulman will then decide on the best, surgical technique and approach for you.

There are several different ways to perform breast reduction surgery. Naturally, Dr. Schulman wants to help minimize scarring as you do, but if you also want drastic reduction results, more scarring may be necessary because more incisions may be necessary. 

For example, less invasive breast reduction surgeries (for smaller reductions) only require incisions to be made around each areola. These incisions will heal and turn into scars that blend nicely into the darker skin of the areolae.

A “lollipop” or “anchor” incision pattern, on the other hand, will create additional incisions and additional scars. These are surgeries for more significant reductions. 

The lollipop incision pattern requires one incision to be made around the areola and another to be made from the bottom of the areola down to the breast grease (resulting in somewhat of a lollipop incision pattern).

The anchor incision pattern is basically the lollipop pattern with an additional incision: one that is made along the breast crease. Generally speaking, this last incision will be hardly noticeable because it is hidden by the breast itself.

So, do boob reduction scars go away?

Yes, over time, your breast reduction scars will fade and flatten out. However, this can only happen if you take good care of your incisions after your surgery and use the other tips outlined below.

Breast reduction surgery scarsHow Long Does It Take for a Breast Reduction Surgery to Heal?

After, “How painful is breast reduction surgery?”, the most commonly asked question regarding a breast reduction procedure is, “How long will it take for me to heal?”

And it’s a good question. After all, you’re undergoing this surgery so that you can enjoy life more — wear the clothes you want, move the way you want, and be proud of your body. That means you want to jump over the healing process as quickly as possible. 

Unfortunately, your body has other plans when it comes to healing (it prefers to take its time). 

First off, to get healed breast reduction scars will take at least seven to 10 days. After this time, you should be able to resume normal activities, but don’t jump into your regular exercise routine just yet. You should wait to perform any type of strenuous physical activities until about three weeks out from surgery. Discuss this with Dr. Schulman.

As usual, always ease into exercise, and pace yourself. Exercise is one of the things breast reduction patients are most excited about after their surgery. Still, you don’t want to compromise your results by rushing into heavy workouts too quickly.

How to Reduce Breast Reduction Scars: 4 Tips

1. Don’t strain your breast reduction scars.

As stated above, one of the most common problems after breast reduction occurs when patients rush back into activity too soon. They’re excited about their results, and they want to run, play sports, and exercise. It’s definitely great to be excited about physical activity, but don’t strain your incisions too soon. 

Pulling and stretching on your incisions can cause them not only to open up, but to be agitated in such a way as to create a worsened scar over time. Especially during the first few weeks of recovery, stay relatively still, make gentle movements, and do not stretch or strain.

2. Don’t expose your breast reduction scars to ultraviolet light.

UV light from the sun or tanning beds can exacerbate or reduce the appearance and pigment of your scars, making your scars appear darker than they need to be. Wear protective clothing, use sunscreen, and do whatever it takes to keep your incision sites and scars out of the sun.

3. Wear your post-surgical garments as directed.

We will put you into a surgical bra after your surgery. You’ll need to wear this for a specific amount of time. Do not stop wearing this bra or any of the other garments we recommend until you’re cleared to do so by Dr. Schulman. Doing so too early could compromise your results and may worsen your scarring.

4. Talk to your surgeon about scar reduction techniques.

There are several different breast reduction scar treatment options available that really work. From breast reduction scar cream and serums to special silicone sheeting and devices that hold scars together for better healing, many options can produce excellent results. 

This is especially true for those who may be at risk of forming a breast reduction scar tissue lump beneath their skin as their breast reduction scars vary and heal (often called keloid scarring). You’ll want to avoid these scars, which can be uncomfortable as well as unattractive. If you have keloid scars from other incisions or injuries, tell Dr. Schulman about it so that he can help you avoid these types of scars as you heal from breast reduction .

Healed breast reduction surgery scarsQuestions and Answer about Breast reduction scars

Why are breast reduction scars so big?

In essence, this is the underlying cause behind the extensive scarring observed in breast reduction procedures. The surplus skin must be eliminated, leading to the formation of long scars. While there are options like Thermage and other skin tightening methods available, their effectiveness in achieving significant skin tightening is quite restricted.

What is the anchor scar on a breast reduction?

Our doctors employ an anchor incision technique to attain the best possible outcome in terms of shape, size, and symmetry during breast reduction. This approach results in scars positioned along the natural outer edge of the areola, along the lower portion of the breast, and discreetly concealed within the inframammary fold (breast crease).

Can you have scar revision surgery for breast reduction?

Certainly, this issue can be addressed through a two-step process. Firstly, achieving breast volume symmetry can be accomplished by either utilizing fat grafting or performing a reduction procedure. Secondly, the scars can be revised using advanced techniques such as laser treatments and injections to enhance scar appearance and minimize their visibility.

How long does it take breast reduction scars to heal?

The fading of scars may require several months to a year.

How likely is it that insurance will cover a breast reduction?

Many leading insurance companies offer coverage for breast reduction, yet eligibility hinges on various factors. Primarily, your insurance provider must assess whether they deem your breast reduction medically necessary.

Schedule a Consultation to Learn More about Breast Reduction Scars

Reduction mammaplasty can drastically alleviate discomfort for women with excessively large breasts. Because scars are inevitable, it’s important to have a plan for scar tissue reduction. This starts with choosing the best NYC plastic surgeon for your procedure. 

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Matthew Schulman performs breast reduction surgery for patients in New York City. The outstanding results Dr. Schulman achieves for his patients speak for themselves. 

To find out if you’re a good candidate for undergoing breast reduction surgery, book a consultation appointment with Dr. Schulman today. 

References

  1. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/reconstructive-procedures/breast-reduction
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4425293

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