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

Unfortunately there is no way to perform a breast reduction without scars.  However, the significant improvement in shape, size, weight and appearance of the breast with the improvements in back pain, neck pain, shoulder grooving, and the other problems associated with large breasts are well worth the surgery.  The scars are hidden in the nipple areolar complex at the transition between the colored portion of the nipple and the light skin of the breast, and along the breast fold.   The scars also fade with time.  Breast reduction is a safe, effective way to improve the size and position of the breast, and is met with overwhelming patient satisfaction.

It’s completely understandable to be concerned about scars when considering breast reduction, but unfortunately, it’s difficult to avoid them entirely if you need to reduce excess tissue. There’s no way to lift the breasts without leaving scars, but commonly, the incisions are strategically placed in areas that are easier to conceal, such as around the areola, vertically down the breast, and under the breast fold. The majority of patients find that the benefits (including improved shape) far outweigh the visible scars.
Larger breasts can lead to physical discomfort, including back, neck, and shoulder pain, and many patients find that after surgery, they feel more comfortable in their clothes, swimwear, and even without a bra. A breast reduction may significantly improve both your physical well-being and self-esteem. Although there will be some scarring, modern techniques and a skilled surgeon can minimize and/or optimize them. A plastic surgeon can explain the expected results, show you before-and-after photos, and help you make an informed decision about whether the trade-off is worth it for you. To minimize scars, following your surgeon’s aftercare instructions is crucial and keeping the incisions clean, avoiding sun exposure, wearing a supportive bra, and using scar management products (such as silicone) once healing is complete can all help improve the appearance of scars. Many patients, particularly those with significant breast volume, find that after a reduction, they no longer care much about the scars because of the newfound comfort and confidence the procedure provides.
Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHSHarvard, Hopkins, & Mayo Clinic Trained Aesthetic Plastic SurgeonNew York, New York

Hi there, thank you for your question. The general answer to your question is no, unfortunately when you do a breast reduction you are accepting having those scars which typically look like an anchor. For certain patients with very good skin tone, occasionally liposuction and radiofrequency skin tightening can be of value, but it’s never going to get the same result as a true breast reduction.

Thank you for the questions. With the breast reduction operation, there will be scars but certain measures like atraumatic techniques, suturing in multiple layers, use of absorbable sutures and good care of the wound and scar in post operative period can help reduce the scars. Use of silicone gels on scars can improve the quality of the scars.

T the trade-off for having smaller breasts are scars. We can use short scar techniques to limit the visible scars under the breast. If you have problems, we do have methods to help or we can revise them a year later. Nearly all scars will fade given sufficient time (years).  Some skin types can develop problematic scars such as keloid scars, however this is rare. The vast majority of patients are so much happier with their smaller breasts, (less pain, aches and more comfortable in clothing), that they feel that the scars are a small price to pay.