Is it common to have chest acne after a breast reduction? (Photo)

Question

I never had a problem with acne on my chest before, but after I had my reduction, I noticed a breakout of acne on my chest. My doctor wanted me to avoid washing my best (for about three weeks) and just gave me the okay to start washing them directly. Is this due to poor hygiene on my chest or should I see my doctor?

S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS · Answer

What a great question and thank you for sending it in.I have noticed over the years in breast lifts, breast reductions, and breast augmentations that it is very common to have one of two conditions after breast surgery.Either my patients get chest acne or they get very dry skin.  Both of these conditions stem from the fact that the same nerves that go to the breast itself go to the sebaceous or oil glands on the chest.  Since these glands and their nerve supply are injured, they very often respond to this injury by either over production of oil leading to acne or under production of oil leading to dry skin.  Each plastic surgeon has his or her own protocol for dealing with these two related conditions.  If you were my patient and you had this acne condition on your chest, I would recommend the use of a product made by Shiseido which is called blemish cream.  It is relatively inexpensive, can be found in any major department store makeup counter, and it makes quick work of this annoying acne.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thanks for sharing your concerns with us. I recommend you to visit your plastic surgeon and to show him the acne. In my practice usually the acne in the chest after breast reduction is due to the use of the bra or an adverse reaction of the material used to the cure of the wound.Best regards,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Thank you for your picture.  Yes you should see your doctor.  This may be due to oils building up on your skin since your are not cleaning that area per your doctor's orders

Is it common to have chest acne after a breast reduction? (Photo)

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