How Long Before Skin Completely Heals After Breast Reduction?

Question

I had a Breast reduction.  I was a DDD and I am now C and I am very happy with the results thus far.  I only had the surgery a week ago and was curious as to how long it takes the skin to completely heal.  I was also curious when the stitches will dissolve.  Thank you :-)

Sam Jejurikar, MD · Answer

There are different ways to measure skin healing after surgery. For about three to five weeks after surgery, your body will continue to deposit collagen underneath your scar, making it stronger, but also making the scar thicker and redder. Usually after three weeks, most plastic surgeons feel comfortable that the incision will remain intact, even if stressed. After 3-5 weeks, your skin will undergo a process of scar remodeling, in which the body will slowly re-orient the collagen within the scar, making it stronger and also flattening and smoothing the scar. When the process is complete, which may be in several months to two years, the pink color of the scars will fade.
It's hard to know how long it will take your sutures to dissolve, as different plastic surgeons use different types of dissolving sutures. This is a question best answered by your surgeon.
Best of luck!

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

The wound
healing process can last for 12 to 18 months following surgery, but wounds have
usually gained most of their strength by 6-8 weeks.At this point, most wounds have sealed
nicely, but they continue to remodel over the next year.During this time scars lose their redness and
flatten. Most absorbable sutures last for 3
to 6 months.This period of time is
critical because the wound needs at lease two months to gain maximal
strength.At this time, the sutures are
the only thing that’s preventing the scar from spreading. After three months
they’re no long serving a function. For this reason, most absorbable sutures
are designed to resorb within six month of surgery.

James Knoetgen, III, MD · Answer

The complete healing process after breast reduction surgery can vary from person to person and depends on several factors, including the extent of the surgery, individual healing capabilities, and adherence to post-operative care instructions. In general, it may take several weeks to several months for the skin to fully heal and for any residual swelling to subside.
During the initial weeks following surgery, you may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which are all normal parts of the healing process. Your plastic surgeon will provide you with specific guidelines on caring for your incision sites, managing discomfort, and gradually resuming normal activities.
Typically, patients can expect to see noticeable improvement in the appearance of their breasts within the first few weeks after surgery, but it may take several months for the final results to become fully apparent as swelling resolves and the tissues settle.
It's crucial to follow your plastic surgeon's recommendations regarding post-operative care, including avoiding strenuous activities, wearing supportive bras as advised, and attending follow-up appointments. These measures can help promote optimal healing and enhance the long-term results of the surgery. If you have any concerns or questions about your healing progress, don't hesitate to reach out to your plastic surgeon for guidance and reassurance.

Leo Kim, FRACS(Plast), MS(Plast), MBBS(Hons) · Answer

The incisions themselves heal in about a week, enough to have a shower. The underlying wounds take 6-8 weeks to heal so should avoid vigorous exercises during this time and wear a supportive bra as directed by your surgeon.
Wish you the best in your journey,
Dr Leo Kim, Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Sydney

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. Congratulations on having undergone the breast reduction procedure;  it is one of the most patient pleasing operations would perform.

	&ldquo;Healing&rdquo; of the skin will take several weeks to occur. Maturation of the scar may take up to 1 to 2 years. Stitched dissolving depends  on the type of suture used may require 1 to 8 months.

	Best wishes.

Pat Pazmino, MD, FACS · Answer

Breast reduction surgery is a very popular and effective way to remove tissue that may cause symptoms such as pain or discomfort and to contour the shape and position of your breasts. In our practice, we emphasized that patients that there is a significant recovery process after the surgery. During this recovery patients should expect to have swelling, business, and changes in the character, size, and color of their scars. Their scars will achieve their final appearance in 10 to 12 months after their surgery.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

The breasts heal over a long period of time. The skin will be firmly sealed and healed withn 4-6 weeks but the maturation process may take up to a year so that the scars fade and the breast become softer.

John P. Di Saia, MD · Answer

Hello,
Different dissolvable sutures dissolve over differing periods of time. The answer to your question, therefore, depends upon which sutures your surgeon selected for your case. Healing varies with technique as well as blood supply issues. Most non-smokers heal (on the outside) within a few weeks although the tissues deep inside continue to heal for much longer than that. Smokers usually take a longer than this...up to several times longer.

George J. Beraka, MD (retired) · Answer

Hi.
Of course, every patient is different, and different surgeons do different operations, but in general, you are well enough healed three weeks after a breast reduction that you can exercise freely.  The scars continue to improve for two years.

John Whitt, MD (retired) · Answer

Your wounds will reach maximum strength 3-6 weeks after surgery. There will continue to be changes in the scars for 6-12 months. This can sometimes be favorably influenced by massage and application of vitamin E, Scarfade, etc. The period of time for the suture to dissolve depends on the type used. I have seen suture material as late as a year or more following surgery.

How Long Before Skin Completely Heals After Breast Reduction?

Answers (10)

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