Can old breast reduction scars be removed with another breast reduction or breast lift?

Question

I had a breast reduction nearly 20 years ago. I quickly developed rather large raised scars that are almost the width of my nipples and about the same color. I also have a thin flesh colored line in the middle of the larger scars from the actual incision. Is there any way to remove these scars? My breast are still a large D cup and I have thought about either getting another breast reduction or a lift. If I had either of those surgeries would they help remove my old scars?

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Yes your old scars can be removed/revised with another breast reduction surgery. The key for best results is having optimal scar management post operatively. Best Scar Management is important to minimize or completely hide from view, the telltale signs of your surgery—namely, scars. Both you and your surgeon want you to have the most minimal scarring possible. There are many possible causes for scars that are enlarged or not healing well. Unsightly scars are most commonly due to genetics, underlying medical conditions, or improper scar/wound care. The last part is very important and patients can make a noticeable difference in their scars’ appearance by following best scar management practices. Here are some simple tips in the link below:#BreastReductionScar#BestBreastReductionScar

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Every woman who has breast reduction surgery finds herself dealing with scar tissue or keloids after her wounds have healed. It sounds as though you have keloids.
 Scars are caused when the dermis, the layer of skin underneath the surface, is damaged. The body produces a fibrous tissue called collagen to close the wound and assist in healing. When collagen is left behind once the damage to the dermis has been repaired, a scar is the result. The extent of an individual’s surgical scars has much to do with genetics, age, the type of surgery. Although most scars will fade and diminish over time, keloids tend not to.  If you are considering lift or breast reduction surgery, that would be a good time to have the excess scar tissue removed. Prevention is the key! There are various things that can be done to reduce the risk of scar tissue after surgery. However, if you have a history of keloid scaring on others parts of your body, then this can be far more difficult. The best place to start, is to make an appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon. They can evaluate you and make suggestions for improvement. Good luck!#plastic surgery #breast reduction #breast lift #scar revision

Angela Keen, MD · Answer

Scars after breast reduction can be thin and flat when the skin is not made too tight and the horizontal component can be avoided. I have done several revisions of anchor scar lifts, but this works best only when you have enough loose skin and extra breast tissue; you are willing to be smaller than you are now; and you do not gain weight after surgery. Often the horizontal portion of the scar is very hard to treat and may recur with surgical excision. If raised scarring (hypertrophic scar) recurs, additional treatment with with nonsurgical methods such as steroid or laser may need to incorporate into the healing period. The skin needs to have good circulation and not be closed too tightly. This is why choosing a surgeon familiar with vertical scar only reductions and one who has experience with breast reduction scar revision is key! If you want another lift/reduction anyway, just find a surgeon who has experience with this (not uncommon) request! Best wishes!!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. If you choose to undergo additional breast lifting/reduction surgery, it is most likely that the procedure performed will remove the previous scars. However,  fresh scars will result; in other words, scars can never be completely removed or eliminated. My best suggestion: seek consultation with  board-certified plastic surgeons who can demonstrate significant experience achieving the types of outcomes you will be pleased with. Then, communicate your goals carefully.  I would suggest that you do not communicate goals in terms of achieving a specific cup size. Cup sizes can vary from one bra manufacturer to another and can therefore be a source of miscommunication.
I hope this, and the attached link (dedicated to breast reduction surgery concerns) helps.  Best wishes.

Alan M. Engler, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Most likely, yes.  It is often possible to do exactly what you suggest - remove (cut out) the existing scars and re-align the edges to produce new scars.And that's the problem.  You may or may not be able to "remove" scars but what you're really doing is trading old scars for new ones; there's no way to "remove" scars fully.  And all scars are permanent.You should meet with one or more board-certified plastic surgeons to discuss the plusses and minuses of each of the surgical options, after which you'll be able to make a more informed decision.I hope that this helps and good luck,Dr. Alan EnglerMember of #RealSelf100

Can old breast reduction scars be removed with another breast reduction or breast lift?

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