94%

315 reviews

Worth It Rating Our index shows the percentage of community members saying this was "Worth it". See cosmetic treatment rankings

Breast Reduction Cost ≈ $6,000 average cost

Write a review | Ask a Question

How Can I Minimize Scars from Breast Reduction?

I just had breast reduction surgery. The scars seem to be settling, and I want to know what to put on them to minimize their appearance.

Asked 40 months ago by jessica ayala

Tags:

surgery scar

It is amazing how nice the incisions look after several months.

Jessica, If you just had breast reduction surgery, listen to the recommendations of your plastic surgeon. Most surgeons prefer surgical tape or strips for the first few weeks. You can then progress to silicone sheets. However, they must be worn almost 100% of the time for several weeks to months to make a difference. The best thing for you to do right now is just wait. After your surgeon gives you the okay, I would recommend gentle massage over the incisions to help them soften. ... more

David Shafer, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Tincture of time for most people

That is a very common question. The majority of peopl will heal fine without any topicla type treatment( silicone tape or sheeting, or topical salves). So, I always say that tincture of time is often the best medicine. That being said, I like to keep steristrips or paper tape on the incisions for at least 3-4 weeks.

Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Breast Reduction and Scarring?

Congratulations on having had the breast reduction procedure; it is one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform. 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. In the event of unfavorable scarring steroid injection may be helpful. The use of superficial radiation treatment is possible for symptomatic scars. Sometimes scar... more

Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Breast reduction scars: cause and management

In my opinion, scars are 50% the surgeon's skills and 50% your response to an injury. Having said this silicone gel strips have some of the best science behind them but patients generally find it difficult to comply with at least 12 hours a day wear. I have found that topical paper tape therapy works best for my patients and is easy to apply with minimal care. see video

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Reducing scars with breast reduction surgery

The simplest solution to minimizing scars with a breast reduction is to undergo the short scar or vertical scar breast reduction. If you have had the inverted T pattern, you may want to begin early scar modulation with silicone strips and pressure management.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Silicon containing products might help reduce your final scar appearance

The final appearance of any scar that is a result of a surgical incision is not predictable. There are many factors that contribute to this appearance. Of course, the surgical technique used to suture the incision plays a significant role in the outcome. However, the patients own genetic predisposition to healing with a more or less noticeable scar can override all other factors. Beyond employing good surgical technique there is not a "silver bullet" the surgeon can,... more

David A. Ross, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Scar sheets work well after breast reduction

Week only recommend that our patients used silicone scar sheets after a breast reduction surgery. These sheets help the scar heal in a flat and smooth fashion. The best scar sheets are typically found not in the pharmacy online. There are several vendors that are particularly effective. If you would like a list of vendors that may help please feel free to contact our office and we will forward the information to you.

B. Pat Pazmino, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Minimize scarring

Scars will usually fade 6-12 months post-op. There are also topical creams and gels used to help with the appearance of scars. Make sure you follow your surgeon’s post-op instructions so that you do not do anything to create an opening in your incision. The incision site should be kept very clean so that it does not become infected. Openings and infection could affect the appearance of your scar.

Siamak Agha, MD, PhD

Orange County Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Minimizing scars after breast reduction

As you can see from the posts, there are many methods which can help minimize your breast scars (and any other surgical scars for that matter). For years, I would typically use Steristrips on the scars for about 3 weeks, then change to a silicone based product like Scarguard, or silicone sheeting. That method works well, but I have changed to following up the 3 weeks of Steristrips with paper tape instead. That's right, just plain paper tape similar to what is used to keep the dressing... more

Doctor's Website

Douglas J. Mackenzie, MD

Santa Barbara Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Breast reduction scars

Breast reduction scars can take up to one year to fully mature and fade. You can apply silicone sheets/tape to the incision sites for several months to minimize the appearance of scars, as well as a topical gel form of silicone called Kelocote. Breast skin is quite thin and generally heals very well. However, if your breast reduction required a horizontal component ("anchor" incision) that portion of the scar may benefit most from these topical creams and gels; more so than the... more

William Bruno, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

You really can't but your surgeon can help

After volume reduction of the breast, there will be a surplus of skin. To rid the excess, this skin needs to be excised. As a general rule, the more skin removed, the longer the incisions. There are fudge factors plastic surgeons employ, but they help only to a certain extent. Probably more important than the length of the scars is the quality. This is where the skills of a good plastic surgeon can make all the difference. http://www.zubowicz.com/subpag,15-atlanta-breast-reduction.htm... more

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Reduce your Breast Reduction scars

Years ago we did a controlled study with a laser that goes after the blood vessels in scars. We found significant improvement in sloftness, flatness and color by treating with the laser 1x per month for 6 treatments starting 30 days after surgery.

Barry E. DiBernardo, MD

Montclair Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Minimizing scars after ANY surgery

Scar care is very important after any type of surgery. I created a web-page reviewing my thoughts on scar maturation and care - please review it. There are some genetic issues related to scar maturation that we cannot control, but some things we can help. To minimize pigmentation issues with scars, sun avoidance is key, and sometimes bleaching creams are appropriate. For scar thickness issues, time is the main factor, but we can accelerate the maturation with the assistance of scar... more

Michael A. Bogdan, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

The best way to minimize the appearance of scars

For many years I have used paper tape on my patients' scars. I have found that this works the best; better than silicone sheets and other products. I use 1" paper tape that is brown is color, so it does not show through clothing. The tape is put on so that it is a little tight. The patient reapplies it when it is loose. The pressure from the tape helps the scars heal very nicely. Hope this helps. Tracy M. Pfeifer, MD, MS

Doctor's Website

Tracy Pfeifer, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Scars care after a breast reduction

The goal of everyone is to have no scars, but it is not possible if you have significant sag. Liposuction of the breast will reduce the breast size and you can get some elevation of the nipple. Most patients want smaller, perkier breast. This requires skin excision and thus scars. We try to close all breasts with no external sutures. We use long lasting PDS sutures so that the tension is reduced on the incision longer. Massage of the scars with any lotion starting at 2 weeks and the use of... more

Richard Greco, MD

Savannah Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

How to minimize or improve breast reduction scars

Like many plastic surgery ops, the quality of the final scar has at least two determinants: a) patient factors; b) doctor factors. Before considering any elective surgical procedure, it's important to consider whether the resultant scar is an acceptable trade-off. PATIENT FACTORS: Many large breasted women try non-surgical options, such as extra supportive bras, chiropractic and/or physical therapy and/or weight reduction with variable "success". Once they've researched the... more

Doctor's Website

Lavinia Chong, MD

Orange County Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Wait six months

Hello, As long as your scars are not wide they tend to get better. Just wait at least six months. If they are wide, revision is occasionally in order. Gel sheeting and massage can be helpful while you are waiting as long as they early healing has already occurred.