I am 3 months post-op breast uplift and reduction- red breasts and spider veins, is this normal? (Photos)

Question

Hi I am currently 3 months post op breast lift and reduction. I am unhappy about the very visible red spider veins and veins and also redness under the breasts that can feel very warm. Is this normal?

S. Alexander Earle, MD, FACS · Answer

Based on the photo, it seems you have some hypertrophic scarring and inflammation.  Redness and warmth is alway concerning for a possible infection. Though it is difficult to tell with the photo, I would recommend you make an appointment to see your plastic surgeon as soon as possible for an evaluation.

Charles Nduka, MD · Answer

It is hard to tell from the photo if you are developing an infection. Redness is a common manifestation of scar healing. However, tenderness and increased warmth over the area of the scar may present infection. To rule this out, it is best to schedule an appointment with your surgeon. Scars could take up to a year or more to fully mature, and you are still early in the healing process.

Adrian Sjarif, MD · Answer

Hi and thanks for sharing your story,
Your scars look a little thickened and red - this is know as hypertrophic scarring and is not an uncommon finding following breast reduction surgery.
The reason for this scarring is usually multifactorial and the fact that it happens in some women and not others usually suggest that some women are just more prone to this type of scarring than others.
But don't lose hope - it is still very early in your post-operative course - scars can take up to 12 months to fully mature.
Talk to your PS about your concerns and enquire as to what scar treatment that they recommend. I usually suggest my patients trial regular scar massage using an emollient of their choice and consider the use of silicone sheeting to try and flatten out some of those thicker scars - if this doesn't yield any results after a few months, you can ask your PS about steroid injections.
Good luck

Ben Brown, MD (license emergency restriction) · Answer

Dear Sarman 22
Thank you for your question and photos.
Your photos look fine, and the redness is just normal scarring occurring. Scars take up to 18 months to heal and the color will change and lighten out over time. 3 months is still early for everything to have completely settled. The spider veins may also settle, and may be present as your skin has been pulled tighter and stretched somewhat with the lift and reduction. If this is bothersome for you, you can have laser treatment with a Cutera excel V laser to help reduce the color of the scarring and the spider veins. Ask your surgeon if they offer this treatment or recommend somewhere you could have it done.
Good luck

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