What Determines the Mastectomy Scar Placement?

asked 3 months ago by countlessquestions in Florida
Latest answer by Steven Wallach, MD
Question viewed 130 times
Tags: mastectomy, placement, scar

Why are all of the photos I've seen of mastectomy scars across the upper part of the breast? and why can't they be lower and curved like the contour of a natural breast?

6 answers to What Determines the Mastectomy Scar Placement?

Hiding the Mastectomy Scar

A mastectomy requires removing the nipple and the surrounding skin. This frequently results in a high transverse scar on the breast mound. However, if you have excess breast skin that is above the nipple and not involved with the cancer, this can be pulled down. The final result can be a scar in the hidden inframammary fold. Scar placement is determined by the location of the cancer, the amount of skin that you have in your breasts can be preserved and the skin... more

Gary M. Horndeski, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon

Not all mastectomy scars have to be the same

The answer to your question is yes the scar can be moved to different locations depending on who is doing your mastectomy. When a board-certified plastic surgeon is involved, he/she can help place the scar in a location/configuation that is more suitable and aesthetically pleasing. Ask you surgeon for other options than the traditional long scar across your chest. Best of Luck!

J. Jason Wendel, MD
Nashville Plastic Surgeon

www.mc.vanderbilt.edu

Scar with mastectomy depends on several factors

The traditional mastectomy is designed to remove all of the breast tissue, and since the nipple is where the milk ducts come up to the surface it is considered part of the breast. The scar would then be unavoidably located at the level of the nipple. The good news is that there is a trend toward skin-sparing mastectomy and nipple-sparing, so then the incision placement can be determined by other factors. If you are considering mastectomy, definitely talk to a plastic surgeon beforehand... more

Richard Baxter, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Mastectomy

The designs for the scar for mastectomy has changed significantly in the last few years. the scar placement depend on the level of comfort of the general, or breast surgeon, whether a plastic surgeon is involved from the begining. and most important the position of the breast cancer. Incisions these days can be designed to spare as much skin as possible, skin sparing mastectomy. The need for the nipple to be removed, if the general surgeon agrees, and how close the cancer is to the... more

Samir Shureih, MD
Baltimore Plastic Surgeon

Mastectomy scar and location

Mastectomy sacrs can vary a bit. Presuming it is being done for cancer and not prophylactic, the scar usually includes removng the areola and nipple and can extend toward the armpit to access the nodes.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Placement of Mastectomy scars

The location of mastectomy scars depends on multiple variables. Considerations include location and size of tumor, location of your nipple areola complex, your own anatomy, location of prior biopsy scars, patient history of immediate vs. delayed breast reconstruction, history of prior breast surgery, etc. Please speak with your breast surgeon and ask to see a plastic surgeon for a consultation. Often, a plastic surgeon will work w your breast surgeon to... more

C. Bob Basu, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon

www.basuplasticsurgery.com

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