Risk of Scarring from a Breast Lift with a History of Keloids?

I am interested in having a breast lift. Currently I'm a 34DD, and happy with the fullness and amount of breast tissue that I have. I don't feel that I'd need an implant but I'm unhappy with the my chest's "droopy" look when I remove my bra. If I undergo this procedure, what are the risks of serious scarring or keloid development? I've had a history of keloids on my ear that were successfully removed with steroids and surgery as well a hyperthropic scar on my knee. Would this affect my chances? If so, what can be done to minimize it? Also, what would be the average costs of these procedures in major cities such as NYC or LA?

Tags:

keloid scar

Comment on this

21 Doctor Answers | Asked by ahh in ny, ny

Doctor Answers (21)
Community Comments (0)

Keloids are unpredictable: Consult an experienced Plastic Surgeon

The develepment of keloids are very unpredictable. I'll give you an example. Suppose a patient sustains two identical injuries, one on the left arm and one on right arm. A keloid may develop on one arm, both arms, or neither arm. Its totally unpredictable. If you have a history of keloid scars, there is a higher chance that you will develop them on your breasts after surgery. Typically, an experienced surgeon would advise you against performing elective surgery as the risk of poor scars... more

Preventing Keloids and Breast Lift

If you have had a previous history of keloid formation, you are at risk for forming keloids with any cut, whether from surgery or trauma. There are a number of treatments that can be very helpful in preventing the development of keloids. Atypical preventive treatment uses steroid injections into the scar, or the application of steroid cream or tape to the scar surface. Breast lift will certainly involve scars, one of the tradeoffs of the procedure. Carefully discuss those... more

It is hard to avoid keloids

Your surgery will be a higher risk for keloid scars since you had some of these before. It is a hard decision for you, your surgeon can not prevent the development of the keloid. It will help to avoid a large implant or any tension on the wound. Best of luck!

Keloid scarring with breast surgery

While keloids remain a bit of a mystery, some things are clear. There are some areas of the body that are more prone to keloids and hypertrophic scars than others. One of these areas includes the central chest. People with a strong history (personal or family) are at a higher risk of keloiding. Meticulous technique, silicone sheeting and steroids can reduce the risks of keloiding. In my San Francisco area practice, people who have a strong history of keloiding are cautioned that even with... more

There is always a risk of bad scarring with any surgery,...

There is always a risk of bad scarring with any surgery, even on the breast. Having a history of keloids or hypertrophic scarring will increase your risk compared to other women having the same procedure who have not had a history of keloids. There are, however, some things that can be done to minimize your risk, and these should be discussed with your surgeon in advance: Using silicone sheet therapy after the procedure (this looks essentially like a large band-aid for all of the incisions,... more

Increased Risk

If you have a history of forming keloids then your chances of forming keloids following a breast lift or reduction are high. Use of silicone gel patches for several months as a precaution Injections of low dose cortisone as soon as problems are detected These measures may minimize your scars but will not prevent them.

Ear and knee keloids don't necessarily mean breast lift keloids

As others have correctly stated, a history of keloids COULD be predictive of bad scarring following breast lift. You are wise to be cautious, and my colleagues' recommendations are similar to what I would tell you. BUT, there is a possibility that an ear keloid and knee keloid are not accurate predictors of breast keloids. Other than individual genetic predisposition to form excessive collagen deposition in healing tissues (in the form of hypertrophic scars, or even more aggressive... more

Breast lift and keloid scars

If you have a history of keloids you will be at a higher risk of developing keloids or hypertrophic (thick) scars with a breast lift (mastopexy). Breast skin however, because it is thinner than skin in other areas of the body, is not as likely to develop keloids. The type of breast lift you need will also be a factor. If you need an anchor-type incision which has a horizontal incision in the breast crease, this area is more likely to keloid. The vertical incision... more

Keloids and Breast Lift

If you have a history of Keloids, then your chance of having additional keloids after surgery is greater. However, you need to make sure that you really have keloids. Often patient have poorly healed incisions or hypertrophic scars which they think are keloids, but really they are not. You can talk with your surgeon about options to help minimize the chance of keloids or the limited treatments available if they form. Good luck with your procedure. more

Scarring after a breast lift

Your chances of developing a keloid after breast lift is likely higher if your ear scar was truly a keloid scar. Hypertrophic scars (thick and raised scars) can sometimes be mistaken for keloid scars and they do not have the same genetic basis. If you are prone to worse scarring, discuss this fact thoroughly with your plastic surgeon. Look at pictures of patients after breast lifts and understand where the scars will be located. You have to be comfortable with the... more