A breast reduction is a surgical procedure performed to reduce the size of the breasts. The process can be performed for various reasons, including physical discomfort, back pain, and psychological distress.
However, breast reduction scars are a common side effect of the surgery, but they can be minimized with proper care.
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Breast Reduction Scars
Breast reduction surgery is a standard cosmetic procedure to reduce the size and weight of the breasts. The surgery can also improve the shape of the breasts and minimize back, neck, and shoulder pain.
Breast reduction surgery typically leaves three scars:
- An inframammary scar, which is located along the lower edge of the breast
- A vertical scar, which runs from the inframammary scar to the nipple
- A periareolar scar, which is located around the nipple
The scars from breast reduction surgery will fade over time but never disappear entirely.
The amount of time it takes for the scars to fade will vary from person to person.
Some people may see a significant improvement in the appearance of their scars within a few months, while others may need to wait a year or more.
Several things can be done to help reduce the appearance of breast reduction scars, including:
- Wearing sunscreen to protect the scars from the sun
- Using a scar cream or gel
- Massaging the scars
- Avoiding smoking and excessive sun exposure
In some cases, it is necessary to have scar revision surgery to improve the appearance of the scars. However, this is typically only necessary in a small number of cases.
Most women undergoing breast reduction surgery are satisfied with the results, even if they have scarring.
If you are considering breast reduction surgery, it is essential to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of the procedure, including the possibility of scarring.
Types of Breast Reduction Scars
There are three main types of breast reduction scars:
- Incisions along the breast crease are the most common type of breast reduction scar. The incision is made along the breast’s natural crease, where the breast meets the chest. This type of scar is usually well-hidden by clothing.
- Incisions around the areola: This type of scar is often used with an incision along the breast crease. The incision surrounds the areola. The dark skin surrounds the nipple. This type of scar is usually not as noticeable as an incision along the breast crease.
- Incisions under the arm: This type of scar is less common than the other two. The incision is made under the arm, which helps to keep the scar hidden from view. However, this type of incision can make it more challenging to raise the arm.
Scar Care
There are many things that patients can do to minimize scarring after a breast reduction. These include:
- Keeping the incisions clean and dry
- Applying a pressure dressing to the incisions
- Wearing a supportive bra
- Avoiding sun exposure to the incisions
- Using scar cream or ointment
Ways to Reduce Scarring After Breast Reduction Surgery
There are several things that patients can do to help reduce scarring after breast reduction surgery. These include:
- Taking care of the incisions: Patients should keep the incisions clean and dry. They should also avoid sun exposure to the incisions.
- Using scar cream or gel: Scar creams and gels can help reduce scars’ appearance.
- Massaging the scars: Massaging the scars can help to break up scar tissue and make the scars less noticeable.
- Quitting smoking: Smoking can interfere with the healing process and make scars more noticeable.
Conclusion
Scars from breast reduction are a common side effect of the surgery. However, they can be minimized with proper care. If you are considering breast reduction, talk to your surgeon about scarring and how to reduce it.
Here is some additional information about breast reduction scars:
- The type of scar that you have will depend on the technique that your surgeon uses. Several approaches can be used for breast reduction surgery; each method has advantages and disadvantages.
- The amount of scarring that you have will also depend on your healing response. A few people are more prone to scarring than others.
- Following your surgeon’s instructions carefully after surgery is essential to help reduce the risk of scarring. This includes wearing a compression garment, avoiding strenuous activity, and keeping the incisions clean and dry.
- If you are concerned about scarring, you can talk to your surgeon about scar revision surgery. This type of surgery used to improve the appearance of scars. However, it is essential to note that scar revision surgery is not always successful and can also leave additional scarring.
Breast reduction surgery is a safe and effective procedure that can improve the breasts’ size, shape, and appearance.
While scarring is a potential side effect of the surgery, it is usually minor and fades over time.
However, if you are considering breast reduction surgery, it is essential to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of the procedure, including the possibility of scarring.
Related Terms
There are a few terms that are related to breast reduction scars. These terms include:
- Incision: An incision is a cut made in the skin during surgery. Incisions made in different places during a breast reduction, depending on the surgeon’s technique.
- Scarring: Scarring is the process of tissue repair that occurs after an injury. Scars raised, indented, or flat. They can also be red, purple, or white.
- Hypertrophic scarring: Hypertrophic scarring is a type of scarring that raised and red. It can be itchy and uncomfortable.
- Keloid scarring: Keloid scarring is a type of scarring that raised, red, and bumpy. It can be larger than the original injury.
