I'll be doing another reduction. Should I do scar therapy so the surgeon can have the most healed skin to work with? (photos)

Question

to note, the left breast was swollen hard and fluid filled and took 2 weeks longer to have its drain removed and the areola's skin surface turned black but there was blood supply. it took time to have its color come back. definitely no sensation on that nipple and very little on the right, which isn't a big deal as i had lost a lot of sensation after my first surgery. wondering if scar therapy is a waste of time or if it will help the next surgery.

Urmen Desai, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Your surgeon will be cutting out the scar anyway, so it won't make much of a difference. I recommend an in-office examination as well as a detailed discussion with a surgeon who you are comfortable with. Finally, make sure your surgeon is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS).
Best,Dr. DesaiBeverly Hills Institute for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryHarvard Educated, Beverly Hills & Miami Beach TrainedDouble Board-Certified, Double Fellowship-Trained Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

As scars mature over months to a year (from bright red to purple-y red to dull dark red), the quality of the scar usually improves.  There is almost always lightening of the scars. Silicone sheets, Mederma, and Bicorneum are reasonable and popular options. I recommend that the scar therapy begin after the scars have healed and there are no open areas, which usually takes 4 - 6 weeks.Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

The technique I recommend is The Bellesoma Method.  This will reduce and reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage.  The weight of the breast is transferred to the underlying pectoralis major muscle resulting in pain relief and long term stability.  Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation and the ability to breast feed are maintained, if not injured during your previous surgery.Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

your result looks good except for the darkness around the vertical scar.  This is simple to revise and can be done under local anesthesia.  As far as scar creams are concerned follow your surgeons advise on this. I might or make not make any difference.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear annyriverrose,
I understand you are concerned with the appearance of your scars. As your scars heal, it should flatten out and lighten. Loss of pigmentation or hyperpigmentation may also be experienced but will resolve over time. Always follow your surgeon's post operative care instructions when it comes to scar management to avoid any complications like infection and for faster healing and recovery. You should wait at least 6 months and at that point your scar should be well mature. 
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

I'll be doing another reduction. Should I do scar therapy so the surgeon can have the most healed skin to work with? (photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Breast reduction

Answer: Breast reduction

Answer: Scar

Answer: Scar

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

I'll be doing another reduction. Should I do scar therapy so the surgeon can have the most healed skin to work with? (photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Breast reduction

Answer: Breast reduction

Answer: Scar

Answer: Scar

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.