How Can I Minimize Scars from Breast Reduction?

A: Reducing Breast Reduction ScarsI have switched to a "lollipop" type of incison/scar for breast reductions which reduces scars by about 50 % vs a traditional anchor pattern scar. Scar Management tips:Minimize tension on the scar. Embrace scar dressing is the best as it lessens tension directly on the wound. Steri-Strips and/or surgical tape are often placed in non-hair bearing areas to minimize tension and keep pressure over the scar. This minimizes the stress that can pull the scar apart (dehiscence) creating a wound and delaying healing time, and can make the scar wider, or more “ropy”.Keep your incision site/scar clean to prevent infection. Follow your surgeon’s wound care instructions to the letter with out modification. Never apply different products then recommended without first discussing them with your surgeon. This is especially important during the first few weeks. If there are any signs of infection, contact your surgeon’s office right away and/or see your doctor or his nurse immediately. Typical signs of infection may include redness outside the immediate incision site, asymmetric swelling, and drainage, of pus, fever, chills, and “feeling sick”.Protect your scars from the sun. Staying out of the sun is the best advice. Minimal exposure to sunlight is preventshyperpigmentation (permanently turning brown) and other problems that can make the scar more noticeable. Sunscreen, at least 30 SPF and an overlying make camouflage make up additionally protects the scar from the suns harmful rays. This advice is especially important the first year following your surgery.Use specific scar maturation products recommended by your surgeon. Patients seem to have their own opinions on this touting everything from Pure Vit E, Coco butter, to Aloe Vera, etc but most have minimal benefit other than keeping the scar hydrated. Although hydration is important there are better, scientifically studied products with greater efficacy. Most of the scientific articles written about this subject indicate that topical silicone gel or silicone sheets work the best. There are a lot of products to choose from, but silicone should be one of the key ingredients. Although Mederma, an onion extract derivative active ingredient rather than mainly silicone based may help, primarily silicone based products are better and many also contain other ingredients that may be synergistic (hydrocortisone or other steroid, Vitamin E, Sunscreen,etc). At the present time I prefer BioCorneum or Kelo-Cote products especially on areas that silicone strips aren’t applicable, for example, on the face. If the reader has problems obtaining these they can call my office. Patient compliance is also critical – use often and according to directions or it will not work optimally. NEVER apply products without first discussing them with your surgeon.Monitor to make sure your scar is progressing optimally. Keep your scheduled follow-up appointments with your surgeon to verify that your scars are maturing as expected. Occasionally if indicated you may need a topical steroid preparation or even a series of injections (5-FU and/or Steroids) or laser treatments to treat or prevent scar hypertrophy or keloid formation (red raised scars), or other topical medicines to treat post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (brown scars) with prescription creams and possible laser treatments.For best scar managment in general see my below link on best practices for scar managment.

Scars from breast reduction mostly have to do with your genetics and the surgical technique. Compression and taping are tools that help manage swelling, support the healing process, and improve scar appearance, but the exact protocol may vary based on individual circumstances or surgeon preferences.


For scar management, silicone gel and taping is often recommended for the first few weeks to reduce tension on the scar tissue, aiding in better scar formation and preventing excessive scarring. I personally like silicone taping for the first few months to keep the incision hydrated and avoid sun exposure and effectively "splint" the wound to reduce tension. Silicone gel sheets or silicone gel products, such as BioCorneum, are highly recommended to reduce scar visibility by hydrating the skin and regulating collagen production. Additionally, gentle scar massage after the initial healing period can improve circulation and break down collagen buildup. It's important to protect the scars from sun exposure by using sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, as UV rays can darken scars and make them more noticeable (BioCorneum includes this).


Compression garments and surgical bras are commonly recommended to reduce swelling and provide support to the breasts during the healing process. Wearing a compression bra for about a month is typical, with some surgeons recommending transitioning to a sports bra for extended support. The compression helps reduce fluid accumulation and supports the tissue and suture lines, especially in the early stages of recovery.


If scars become raised or hypertrophic, treatments like laser therapy or steroid injections may help. Be patient, as scars typically improve over time, taking up to a year to fully mature.
It is important to consult with an experienced plastic surgeon who can customize your surgical plan and determine the best technique for you based on your individual anatomy and goals.


Dr. Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHS
Harvard, Johns Hopkins, & Mayo Clinic Educated
Double Fellowship Trained
Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon
New York, New York

Hi from Istanbul! Minimizing scars is a process that begins during surgery, by skillful stitching with minimal tension. Good postop wound care also helps, of course. I would recommend silicone sheets, scar gels, steroid injections when necessary and laser treatments for mid post-op period. It's been quite a while since this question has been asked but I hope this will be useful to new patients who have concerns about scarring. Best of luck!