Puckering is causing me huge distress after breast lift 3 weeks ago (Photo)

Question

Ive had a breast uplift 3 weeks ago and im really upset about the puckering and folds around the nipple area. There is still bruising too. I didnt expect it to look like this and im really worried about it. Is this puckering and indentations normal?

Ajay Mahajan, MD, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

Although your suturing could have been done better, it is very early days for you. With time the puckering should settle. Scars tend to settle reasonably in 3 to 6 months. However, it takes about 12 to 18 months for scars to settle fully. Scars can at times be thickened (hypertrophic) especially in younger patients. This might require treatment with silicone creams or steroid injections.

It is important to massage the scars once they are healed. This helps them settle better. Some patients claim that Bio oil helps scars settle better, but any moisturising cream should be good enough. If there is any indication of the scars becoming thicker, then silicone based creams should be considered.There will be some bruising present especially adjacent to the scars. This will gradually settle over in two to four weeks.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

The patient will go home in a bra or with only light dressings over the incision lines. Sutures are dissolvable but an ending knot, if present is removed within 1-2 weeks. Initial discomfort is easily controlled with oral medication. Light activities may be started in 7-10 days.Over time, gravity will continue to have an effect and the breast skin will tend to stretch. The degree of #stretching and #sagging varies between women: generally, women with smaller breasts experience less recurring sagging. If sagging does occur, further excision of the skin on an outpatient basis can be used to correct the problem. Heavy and large breasts may lead to recurrent sagging and may require the removal of a small amount of breast tissue to achieve an optimal shape and size. One key to a satisfying result is realistic expectations.All surgical procedures carry some degree of risk Any breast operation can result in changes in sensation. This happens less with lifts than reductions but is still possible Occasionally, minor complications occur and do not affect the surgical outcome. Major complications associated with this procedure are rare. The suitability of the breast lift procedure and specific risks may be determined during your consultation. #Hypertrophic or #keloid scars can be a problem. The worst are usually under the breast with an #AnchorLift or inverted “T”. These can be treated like all thickened scars with re-excision, laser, kenalog/5-FU injections, creams, silicone strips and other methods to reduce and improve healing.The best thing to do if there are concerns or questions about your feelings since the procedure would be a follow-up with your surgeon to have the area examined and make sure that healing is progressing well. While there are a number of risks at potential, as well as swelling, bruising and pain that can last for several months, it is best to remain in close contact with your surgeon throughout the healing process. Good luck.

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

This type of puckering is completely normal and will settle down over time. At this point in your recovery, it is much too soon to be worried about the outcome.  It takes time for things to heal.   It may be 6 months or more before the shape has reached its final look.  Be patient.

Joshua Cooper, MD, FACS · Answer

At three weeks after a breast lift it is still much too early to see your final results!Some puckering and pleating does sometimes occur.Over the next several months this will resolve. Don't let the puckering and skin irregularities you see now cause you distress.  With time, they will disappear. Thanks for sharing!

David Finkle, MD · Answer

Swelling and skin irregularities after surgery is normal.  It will take many months for the skin to settle, be patient and follow your plastic surgeon's recommendations for wound/scar care.  Revision surgery can always be performed down the line if you are unhappy with your final result.

Puckering is causing me huge distress after breast lift 3 weeks ago (Photo)

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Answer: Puckering and Pleats after Breast Lift #breastlift

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Answer: Swelling after breast surgery is normal

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Puckering is causing me huge distress after breast lift 3 weeks ago (Photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Puckering and Pleats after Breast Lift #breastlift

Answer: Puckering and Pleats after Breast Lift #breastlift

Answer: Swelling after breast surgery is normal

Answer: Swelling after breast surgery is normal

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift

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