15 months post op breast reduction, incision split around 4 weeks: what should I do now? (photos)

Hello and thank you for your question.
Reach out to your surgeon to be evaluated and to discuss possible scar revision options.
Best wishes!

This is certainly a disappointing result following breast reduction. Wound healing issues are common with breast reduction surgery due to the large amount of incisions and pressure on these healing surgical wounds. While it is difficult to think about more surgery, it is likely that another surgery is the only option to fix this issue. This will excise the current scars and close the skin in a more controlled fashion. While not guaranteed, the chance of wounds opening or poor wound healing with this revision are much smaller than with the initial surgery and will likely improve your overall satisfaction with the procedure.

Thank you for your question.
Based on your photo, I believe you may warrant a scar revision. Since the scar is so stretched, I do not see it improving with the use of topical scar creams or steroids. I recommend speaking with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options.

At this time, I would recommend repeat breast reduction using The Bellesoma Method. This will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained if not injured during your previous surgery.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Hello, thank you for your question. Unfortunately this can sometimes happen, especially if there were complications of wound healing. Often times the scars can widen. At the one year point a possible revision to excise some of the scar tissue maybe beneficial. Of course the same risk factors of wound dehiscence may occur again. I would speak to your plastic surgeon about possible options and interventions. You are not alone in that this can happen to anyone undergoing surgery, there are some solutions that can be offered.

The appearance of your scars can be improved through a revision. To achieve closure after removing the scars will likely require that a breast lift be preformed at the time. Discuss your options further with your surgeon.

Hello @Magical497770, thank you for your question and showing your pictures. I understand your concern. Scarring has a maturation cycle of approximately one to one and a half years depending on the patient's skin. An examination would give you more information about what can be done. Please have in mind that the scar takes different features depending on the process inherent to the patient's health and skin condition. I link a video to shed more light. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS.

I am sorry to hear that you had healing issues after your breast reduction surgery. Thank you for providing the photographs. At this point, the swelling should be gone, and the scarring should have softened. The scars will not change very much at this point. It would be an appropriate time to consider revision surgery because you are not happy with the outcome. I would recommend seeing your plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns and options.

You can have all that scarring removed, and have pretty, uplift breasts. This will require another reduction and lift. You won’t need mesh. Nipples are in good position, so only management of the lower poles of the breast is required, eliminating new excess skin in the inframammary region and excising all old, wide scars.

Dear Magical497770,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery