Risk of Keloids/hypertrophic Scarring from Breast Reduction?

I’m having a breast reduction in a month and am slightly worried about keloids - I haven’t gotten any before, but I also haven’t had surgery before. There's no history of keloids in my family. I do have super sensitive skin though and had some small scarring when my ears were pierced (the scars went away in a year though). I’ve gotten a very small tattoo in my bra area and it healed fine - could this mean there’s a smaller chance I’ll keloid/get hypertrophic scarring from a breast reduction?

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5 Doctor Answers | Asked by deeps2014

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Scarring after Breast Reduction

If you have not "Keloided" by now, you should not do so. A Keloid is a problem that occurs in certain people with a genetic tendency to do so. With what you have had, you should have done so if you were going to. A hypertrophic scar, on the other hand, can happen to anyone. It is most frequent when fast absorbing sutures are used below the skin and skin sutures are removed soon after surgery. When more permanent sutures that maintain their integrity for a number of months are used below the... more

Keloids/Hypertrophic Scarring from Breast Reduction

It is often difficult to determine preoperatively who will have keloid or hypertrophic scars following breast reduction. Keloid scars and hypertrophic scars are two different issues. Keloid scars are the result of an abnormal scar response in which the scar expands outside of the area of injury.and then does not regress spontaneously. Keloids will tend to recur after excision. Hypertrophic scars are red and raised, but do not expand outside of the area of injury. The occurence of a... more

Keloidal or hypertrophic scarring

Keloids and hypertrophic scars are not the same. Keloids are actual masses which form in scar tissue; scar hypertrophy denotes a red, spread and inflamed scar. If you have not keloided after ear piercing, then in all likelihood you will not form keloids from breast reduction. Scar hypertrophy risk can be reduced by careful surgical closure, regular followup and treatments which range from silicone sheeting to Kenalog injections into the scars. Family history is also important. ... more

Keloiding after breast reduction

Most people over the age of 20 know whether or not they are prone to keloids. Regardless of having prior surgery, people who keloid can form these tumors from a fall, cut, peircing, or tattoo. So it is in your favor that this has not happened to you. I would discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon but in most cases the breasts heal very nicely. I hope this helps you. Kindest regards, Neil J. Zemmel

Hypertrophic or Keloid Scarring Breast Reduction

History is very important regarding chances of keloid scarring but is not the only factor. Anyone may form hypertrophic or keloid scarring. The goal is to minimize the risk. That involves patient selection, good surgical technique and good post operative care. Discuss this with your surgeon.