Will Massage After Reduction Change The Bad Shape I Have 2 Months Post Op? (photo)

Question

After a bad reduction, they have come out much to square and no projection and it is impossible to get them into a proper bra as what tissue is left is in the lower and outer quadrant I am stuck with soft T-Shirt bra, I am 9 weeks post op. My PS said to do deep tissue massage of the scars to see if I could stretch them and and cause them to drop a bit and maybe that would improve shape. Is this any use as it seems a little weird to me to try and stretch scars to make them look better?.

Eric Pugash, MD · Answer

You are only 9 weeks postop - you are a long way from seeing the final size and shape of your breasts.

	It is certainly the case, however, that the anchor-style or inverted-T breast reduction tends to produce a square-bottomed breast and to reduce projection. Also it does not reduce the breast base or diameter.

	There is no question that the vertical or 'lollipop' reduction increases breast projection and avoids the square-bottomed look. This operation also reduces the breast diameter, so the breast does not look like a flat version of its preop self.  It is possible that your surgeon does not offer this procedure or judged that your breasts were too large for a vertical reduction.

	I recommend you allow your healing to run its course. You will have a much better idea of your final result in 9 to 12 months. If at that point you are not happy then you should explore your options with your surgeon. Finally it is often worthwhile to seek another opinion from someone else who is broadly experienced in aesthetic breast surgery.

	Good luck!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and picture.

	Since you are only 2 months out of your surgery you will likely continue to see improvement in the shape of the breasts over the next several months.  As the scars mature you may find that the breasts do  &ldquo;round out&rdquo;. Unfortunately, the breast projection will not change.  Breast implants ( believe it or not)  may be useful for this purpose if the projection remains a major concern.

	I would suggest continued follow-up with your plastic surgeon to express your questions and concerns understanding that your results will likely improve with time and/or minor revisionary surgery.

	I hope this helps.

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

Your best bet is to wait a few more months to allow the tissue to settle and scars to soften. Tissue massage may help.

Steven Turkeltaub, MD · Answer

You are still very early in the healing process and one can expect the skin to stretch considerably over the next year. The area that is tight should elongate providing a different and maybe better shape.

	The rest of your result is impossible to assess with just one photo of one breast. You may want to discuss your concerns with your surgeon and obtain their input/perspective on your situation. Longer term, if you are still unhappy, there are ways to further improve your result.

	Good luck!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It is quite possible that with time, the shape may improve. I think that trying to stretch the tissue will not do much.  If you feel you  need more projection you may need an augmentation.

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Will Massage After Reduction Change The Bad Shape I Have 2 Months Post Op? (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Unhappy with breast reduction at 9 weeks postop

Answer: Unhappy with breast reduction at 9 weeks postop

Answer: Breast reduction and shape

Answer: Breast reduction and shape

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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.