Breast Reduction: Q&A

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Breast Reduction and Lift Scarring - How Bad Are They?

I am 18 years old and considering a breast reduction and lift. I want to have this surgery done so bad but my only concern is the scarring. Therefore, how bad are the actual scars and will a type of cream or lotion help reduce the appearance? HELP!

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age 17 or under scar

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13 Doctor Answers | Asked by KAH 20

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Breast Reduction Scar Management?

Breast reduction surgery is one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform. Although there are many benefits of the operation patients should consider the presence of scars ( and the potential for unsatisfactory scarring) in their decision-making. Time tends to improve the appearance of scars. You will find that the scars will improve in appearance even after a year has gone by. Sometimes the use of silicone-based products can be helpful. In the event of... more

Predicting scars from breast lift (mastopexy) and reduction

There are no magic creams that will prevent scarring. Scars are 50% the surgeon's technique and 50% your genetic response to that injury which cannot always be controlled. Scars can range from very fine white lines to to thick rope-like scars and everything in between.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Scars after breast lift can be minimized

In order to get the best shape and size of breast with a lift some incisions around the areola and under the breast are necessary. In most patients these incisions can be very minimal after four to six months with proper care. This care begins in the operating room with layered closure and minimal sutures on the surface. This is followed by prolonged scar therapy with proven techniques of placement of special sheeting over the scars for an extended period of time. ... more

Talmage J. Raine, MD

5 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Breast scars in lifts and reductions

There are mainly three factors involving permanent scars that are required to lift and/or reduce breasts. These are their length, their location, and their appearance. Experienced plastic surgeons today can limit the extent of the scars on the breast to around the areola and from the areola down to the inframammary crease (a "lollipop" incision) and can close the incisions as well as anyone can, but there is no way to guarantee how they will look or how you will feel... more

Breast Reduction/lift scars are permanent, but can be minimized

There are many short-scar, "lollipop"-type procedures that can make scars shorter after breast lift/reduction. There are also creams, dressings, and lasers that can be used to help scars look more attractive over time. But you will have permanent scars, period. Meet with several surgeons and look at their before/after photos to get a good idea of the typical scarring after such surgery. Nobody can promise you a great scar--a lot depends on your own... more

Carmen Kavali, MD

11 reviews

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Breast reduction and scars

Yes, whenever a surgeon performed surgery on any body part their is always a scar from the procedure. There are many variables contributing to the quality of the scars but these can be reviewed during your exam. They can heal very well.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Women accept breast reduction scars if they love their new breasts.

Hi. 1) Most breast reductions and lifts can be done with a vertical (lollipop scar) technique. This is a minimal scar approach. The scars fade a lot but do not disappear. 2) I can tell you that I hear a lot of worry about the scars before surgery. After surgery, I very rarely hear about the scars, and it's not because they are gone. What happens is that the patient realizes that she has made a very good trade off.

Breast Reduction and Breast Lift Scars are Acceptable especially with Short Scar Techniques

Breast Reduction and Breast Lift scars are identical. In the vast majority of women they can be done as Short Scar Techniques with only a Lollipop or balloon shape scar instead of the vertical T / anchor shaped scars. See a Plastic Surgeon familiar with the Short Scar Technique and find out if you are a candidate for it. The vast majority of our Breast Reduction / Breast Lift patients are extremely happy with their results despite the scars which become quite acceptable. Dr.... more

Scarring in Breast Reduction and Lift

To perk up a drooping breast, your surgeon will remove excess skin, reposition the nipple, and redrape and tighten the remaining skin to support the breast. The areola may also be reduced in size. A mastopexy (breast lift) raises droopy breasts from one to several inches and excess skin is removed. If you're sagging or asymmetrical, and are looking for perkiness, you'll need a lift--or, if you also want more volume, a lift and implants. Any type of incision for a breast lift... more

Breast reduction and lift scarring

as I was taught many years ago by my chief in Plastic surgery residency, "do not do these surgeries unless you can live with permanent scars." So the breast reduction and brachioplasty are very common scar deforming operations, no matter any post operative therapy done. Discuss with your PS of choice. From MIAMI Dr. B

Hard to predict

I do many breast reduction surgeries. Post op we do Biocorneum...(formally Kelokote) which is silione gel and tape the scars for 4-6 months. Patients usually heal very well but there is no guarantee. Go to a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Good Luck. Andrew Cohen, M.D.

Scarring after Reduction or Mastopexy

Scarring is always present to a degree after a reduction or a mastopexy and it varies a good bit among patients. Women considering these procedures must always weigh the benefits/risks (including scarring) when deciding if they wish to have the procedure perfomed.

Scarring varies

Look at photos on various web sites, the scarring varies, usually it is there, but not an issue. Most of my patients are so happy that they now have smaller breasts and most of the shoulder strap gouging and back and neck pains are better, that they forget about the scars. The scars around the nipples usually fade as do the others. It is great surgery.