Will scar revision surgery fix my strange lateral side bulk? (Photos)

Question

I have had an unfavourable result following a breast reduction - the side of my breast mound isnt curved like a natural breast would be, but instead turns into a strange fold of flab. While the reduction looks great front on, the side view is disappointing., I have a BMI of 26, and had 460g +150g removed. I have 1 child. My surgeon suggests a scar revision to fix this; the anchor scar I have under my breasts is straight and doesn’t curve. Will a newly created curved high scar get better results?

Justin K. Williams, MD · Answer

It is common for patients to have a nice shape from the front but be dissatisfied with excess skin or fullness under the armpit. This tissue is not truly the breast tissue and is therefore not usually fully addressed with a breast reduction surgery. There are procedures that can address this however they involve making scars around your chest. Since the chest is a 360° object, the skin excess skin travel all the way onto the back and some patients requiring additional turning during surgery. In patients with this problem I usually recommend an additional scar revision or lateral chest wall skin excess resection as well as liposuction.

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for the question and photos.
It appears that you are still in the early stages of wound healing. I typically recommend patients to wait 6-9 months prior to undergoing breast reduction surgery to allow for the majority of soft tissue swelling to go down.
You may benefit from liposuction of armpit and lateral breast area to improve breast contour and shape.
I would definitely discuss your questions and concerns with your Plastic Surgeon.
I hope this helps.Best regards, Dr. Karanetz
Dr. Irena KaranetzBreast Fellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Alaina28,
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

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

Thank-you for your query. The lateral side bulge and the contour of your breasts  can be significantly improved with a small amount of side liposuction and scar revision. I agree with your surgeon, in  this being the right approach to improve your cosmetic outcome. All the best!

Ryan Rebowe, MD · Answer

This lateral area is a common one to have excess tissue following a breast reduction. While most surgeons will perform liposuction in this area, it does not fully correct this excess. The only way to completely correct this excess is by direct excision. This excision will typically begin at the lateral breast curve and extend onto the back. While it can completely correct this excess, it results in a long, linear scar into the bra line area. While not ideal due to the scar, these excisions can greatly impact the shape of the breast reduction or breast lift.

Will scar revision surgery fix my strange lateral side bulk? (Photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Breast reduction with residual side bulge

Answer: Breast reduction with residual side bulge

Answer: Bra Line Excision

Answer: Bra Line Excision

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Will scar revision surgery fix my strange lateral side bulk? (Photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Breast reduction with residual side bulge

Answer: Breast reduction with residual side bulge

Answer: Bra Line Excision

Answer: Bra Line Excision

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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.