What’s the best way to minimize scars after breast reduction? They looked decent at first but are getting very wide. (Photos)

Question

5 mos post op and using silicone scar gel only, stopped using paper tape at 8 weeks as per my ps. I have a lot of sagging recurring in the weeks since I had surgery, and am noticing that my scars are getting wider since I stopped the tape. Also, I’m using underwire bras since about 8 weeks, I need the support they provide but not sure if I should be wearing a different bra? What options are there for treating scars, and when can they be implemented? Calling ps is no longer an option for advice

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, The best way to minimize scars is to prevent them from forming in the first place.  Unfortunately many of my colleagues take your dressings off at a week and say bye. That's the time to use elastic tape for round the clock for 2 to 3 months. This supports the incision while scar tissue forms and matures into a more durable structure. Your photos show substantial scar spread and thinning. You will be a good candidate for a revision surgery in the future. Best of luck!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Corrine27,we specialize in minimal scars. Its starts with an perfect incision. Next, I close my incisions in 5 layers and take stitches out week one and week two.  I don't recommend absorbable sutures because they cause inflammation that worsens scars. Then we tape your incisions once a week for 6 weeks. Lastly we start you on a 3 month topical scar management protocol with a scar gel thats FDA approved. Your scar will likely improve in the future as it matures.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Leland Deane, MD, FACS · Answer

Sometimes scars occur which are wide no matter what. Consult your surgeon about massage and other techniques.  Scar revisions are common.

Terrence Murphy, MD · Answer

Your scars will continue to improve over the next 6 to 8 months. It sounds like you have been doing a lot of good things to optimize them. Adding some broad band light treatments may be helpful. The emergence of laxity of the lower pole you describe is a different issue which may require a revision. Contact a board certified plastic surgeon in your area for an opinion.

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

The best treatment to make sure they are not raised is silicone sheets and gel to be applied daily around the clock for the first 3 months; only treatment to make them narrower is to revise your incisions and use stronger sutures like PDS.

What’s the best way to minimize scars after breast reduction? They looked decent at first but are getting very wide. (Photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Scar optimization

Answer: Scar optimization

Answer: Not happy with breast scars

Answer: Not happy with breast scars

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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What’s the best way to minimize scars after breast reduction? They looked decent at first but are getting very wide. (Photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Scar optimization

Answer: Scar optimization

Answer: Not happy with breast scars

Answer: Not happy with breast scars

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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.