How Long Before Skin Completely Heals After Breast Reduction?

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!

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.

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.

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

Thank you for the question. Congratulations on having undergone the breast reduction procedure;  it is one of the most patient pleasing operations would perform.

“Healing” 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.