Can scar tissue from a reduction hurt 15 yrs later?

Question

I had a reduction 15 yrs ago and ever since i get pain in one of my breasts where there is thick scarring and my breasts turn purple like bruising but no pain on and off.i also had like a drop in my breasts....my nipples now sit high and my breasts have sagged even thou i wear a bra alot.... I want to get fixed but soooo scared feel like Frankenstein. ..i hide away cause of it...im 47 please help me what do i do...

Natasha Van Zyl, MBChB, FRACS · Answer

It sounds like you may have some keloid or hypertrophic scarring on one of your breasts are following your breast reduction. A surgeon would need to see you to confirm which one it is. Hypertrophic scarring is a thick, raised, and red scar along the line of the original incision. Keloid scar, which is less common, looks like a scar that is starting to sprout out to the sides covering skin that was not involved in the original incision. Both types of scar are unsightly and can cause discomfort and itching. The treatment does depend on which type of scar it is, but it can include injection of the scar with a steroid or excision of the scar with careful scar management after the procedure using silicone tape. It's not uncommon for the lower part of the breast to sag after breast reduction surgery with time. This can happen for several reasons including weight gain or loss, pregnancy and just the passing of time but the type of surgical technique used in the original breast reduction can also contribute. The good news is that it is certainly possible to do a breast reduction revision or a redo breast reduction to try to address both the scarring and the change in shape of your breasts following the previous surgery. I would suggest that you should start by contacting the surgeon who did your original surgery to seek their opinion and advice.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

At this time, I
recommend The Bellesoma Method.  This
will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants,
elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your
cleavage.  Vertical scars are avoided and
nipple sensation is maintained, if not injured during your previous
surgery.     Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Jeremy Hunt, MBBS, FRACS · Answer

Hi,With time and gravity the initial results of breast surgery can change over time and the effect on a breast reduction can be what we call " bottoming out". This sounds like what you may have and a revision of the breast reduction can elevate the breast tissue and hopefully provide you with the solution.I hope that is of some helpJeremy Hunt

Robert Drielsma, MBBS, BSc, FRACS · Answer

After 15 years, natural ageing and gravity can play a significant role in changing the shape and appearance of your breasts and this is probably not related to your initial surgery.  You shouldn’t be afraid of revision surgery to improve the shape and position of breasts - your scars can be revised at the same time.  Ideally you return to your original surgeon to discuss your concerns and  options for revisional surgery.  If this is not possible, ensure you arrange a consultation with a fully qualified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in revision breast surgery.

Kim Taylor, FRACS · Answer

Do not listen to any answers that are generic & not specific to you.  An in person examination would be the best way to assess what may be causing your pain and why they are changing colour.  What you are describing sounds like bottoming out and is much more common with some of the older techniques of breast reduction.  It is almost certainly possible to fix, if you wish so.  Don't be embarassed, as Plastic Surgeons we see all ranges of breasts & scars.  All the very best

Jon Ver Halen, MD, FACS (license suspended) · Answer

Dear Smiley70,Hello and thank you for your excellent question.  You should be evaluated for a No-Vertical-Scar breast reduction technique.  Some people refer to this as the Bellesoma Breast Lift technique. Our technique provides an exceptional breast lift, upper pole fullness, relief from neck and back pain, and no vertical breast lift scar. It uses a woman’s OWN breast tissue to produce an internal suspension technique, without the need for a breast implant. It does not disturb the nipple, areola, or breast glands, so sensation and the ability to lactate is preserved. It uses 3D scanning of your breasts and body to design a procedure specifically designed for YOU, and you alone. Finally, for patients who desire breast enlargement, it can be combined with fat grafting. It is best to answer your question during a face-to-face evaluation, when you can discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure, and you can have a physical examination to evaluate for that procedure. I recommend that you find a board-certified, or board-eligible plastic surgeon with whom you are comfortable. Be sure to have all of your questions answered during a face-to-face meeting with your surgeon, and review before and after pictures of similar patients whom have had this procedure. If you have any questions, call our office for assistance. Good luck!
  
Best,
  
Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS
  
Harvard educated plastic surgeon
  
Texas “Top Doc” 2017, 2018
  
RealSelf100
  
America’s Top Plastic Surgeons, Consumer’s Research Council, 2010 – 2018
  
BeautyAdvisor Top Contributor

Can scar tissue from a reduction hurt 15 yrs later?

Answers (6)

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