Breast Reduction Scars - How to Avoid Scarring?

If you have excess skin and desire a decrease in volume, there is no way to get around having scars.  Science has yet to find a way to truly do "scarless" surgery.   That being said, most patients are very happy to trade off having scars for an improved breast shape, less aches and pains associated with large droopy breasts, and looking better in clothing, swimming suits, bras, etc.  (and maybe even feeling comfortable going bra-less for the first time!)It is best to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who performs breast surgery.  You can look photos of typical scars in a wide variety of patients and better understand what to expect and what the trade-offs and risks are.Best wishes,Dr. Michelle Spring

Scarring is a very common concern. In a very small subset of breast reduction patients you can consider liposuction. Typically this is best for a young patient with good skin elasticity who only needs a small reduction. This is not meant for large volume reductions. The scarring will vary depending on how much skin and breast tissue needs to be removed. The scars do heal well overtime and there are products that can help them fade/blend faster. See a board certified plastic surgeon to learn what might be best for you. 

Unfortunately scarless approach is not compatible with a proper breast reduction procedure. It is a necessary tradeoff that one has to accept should the patient desires to have an effective breast reduction procedure. There are however some less invasive approach for consideration e.g.. liposuction for a small reduction or reshaping, but by en large scars will be required in order for a suitable amount of breast tissue to be resected and reshaped in a breast reduction procedure.

Depending on breast skin quality, patient preference and surgeon's experience, there are however certain "limited scar" technique in a breast reduction procedure. They either involve a "lollipop" scar pattern or an "anchor" scar pattern depending on each specific case requirement. Scar implications certainly is an important consideration especially for the younger females considering breast reduction procedure along with potential impact on breast feeding ability and nipple sensitivity. Certain surgical technique can minimise the occurrence of these complications but patients in general will need to accept possibility of these implications. Scar quality is also more important than scar quantity and while there are ways to optimise the healing & scarring process, you'll need to be realistic of what's involved in the overall recovery experience. 

Hope that helps.

Best wishes

Ellis Choy