I'm noticing that one breast is healing faster after reduction than the other. Is this common?

Question

One breast looks really well and the other one has some opening under the breast were the stitches are. At post op appt. The Dr said this happens sometimes and it is not an infection. He said it will heal . I'm Just concerned and will contact the office if it doesn't look better soon.

Miguel Mota, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question. Remember that when having any type of breast procedure it is like having two procedures done at once. They will not heal the same way, and they will not look the same at first. One breast will always be a little more swollen, or a little more swore or even look a little different. When using implants one will probably drop or settle faster then the other. The healing time frame for each breast will be different. This is very common and those small differences will get much better with time.

Small issues with scars after any surgery can happen and they almost always heal nicely as long as you keep the tissue clean and avoid infection. This is easily avoided using antibiotic ointments and antiseptic agents. Just follow your PS's instruction and you will do great.

Best of luck on your recovery!

Dr. Miguel Mota

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.

I perform a liposuction breast lift that removes tissue from the areas you don't want such as near the armpit and the lower portion hanging near your stomach. Once I use this to shape the breast I then remove the skin to tighten the breast and create a better shape with nice cleavage. Since I perform this less invasively the recovery time is faster. The size would depend on the proportion with your body versus going for a cup size. It works very well if there are asymmetries. I can also use the removed fat as a natural breast augmentation by grafting the fat back into the breast to create more projection or into the top to create more cleavage. This procedure can also be combined with an implant if needed or wanted.  It should not affect nipple sensation, mammograms, cancer risk or breast-feeding. In fact, most women have more sensation after the procedure. If you gain or lose weight, the transferred fat can do the same. Healing takes about a year.

The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.  Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic plastic surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

#RealSelf100Surgeon

#RealSelfCORESurgeon

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Sometimes the incision opens a bit after a breast reduction,. This is most common after a "T" closure.  Often local wound care is enough to heal it.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on having undergone the breast reduction procedure. Yes, it  is not unusual for one breast to heal faster than the after breast reduction surgery. Incision line separations can occur  and are especially common at the "T junction" area at the bottom of the breast.  Close followup with your plastic surgeon will be important. Sometimes removal of an exposed suture and/or unhealthy tissue may expedite the healing process.  Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with long-term.

I'm noticing that one breast is healing faster after reduction than the other. Is this common?

Answers (4)

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