Is it normal to feel chapped on the outside of my breasts after my reduction?

Question

I had a breast reduction 1/13 and have been healing pretty well since. I am now feeling chapped on the outsides of my breasts. Is this normal?

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

Dry skin and scaling of the epidermis after breast reduction is common.  Moisturizing lotions are recommended after all the incisions are healed.

Amira Sanki, MBBS Hons, FRACS, PhD · Answer

Hi, it is quite common and normal to feel chapped at the outside of your breasts some weeks after breast reduction surgery. After the surgery, your skin's sensory nerves get quite swollen and stretched. As a result, your skin can become hypersensitive or numb. This also applies to the sensation around your nipple and areola. I find the sensory changes are particularly pronounced if liposuction is done at the same time to the breasts or outer chest area. The good news is that these feelings all settle down after a few weeks, or sometimes a few months. In the meantime, gentle massage with sorbolene or another simple moisturiser might help.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Skin changes often happen after surgery. It's usually temporary.The skin can become dry and flaky.I suggest to my patients that they use moisturizers.It's also common for skin to itch after surgery. Avoid the temptation to scratch if you are itching.Best of luck,Mats Hagstrom, M.D.

Paul Silverstein, MD (retired) · Answer

It is normal to experience dry skin after surgery.  The prep solutions used to clean the skin are very drying, and the post-op period during which you could not wash your breasts adds to a build up of dry keratin. If you are all healed and your sutures are out, I recommend a good moisturizing lotion after bathing and before bed.  I like Elta Lite, and Beta Glucan 3000, if these are available where you live.

Is it normal to feel chapped on the outside of my breasts after my reduction?

Answers (4)

More Breast Reduction Questions

How much does Breast Reduction cost without insurance?

How long does one have drainage tubes for after Breast Reduction?

Breast Reduction: Are reductions free in Canada? Will insurance pay?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS