Are my breast reduction scars healing properly? (Photo)

Question

Hello! I am a 35 year old female with a recent BR (October 2021). I'm wondering if my scars are healing properly. There seems to be thicker lumps and uneven lines. Im not sure if this is normal, and if there's anything I can do to help. I used bio oil at the beginning and now am using a mixture of grapeseed oil, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide. Thank you!

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Plastic surgery scars require attention after surgery so that they remain cosmetically-appealing and barely noticeable. In our office, we use a protocol for scars that minimizes their activity in the 6-8 weeks after surgery. If you have late plastic surgery scars, you may also require laser and RF therapy to help reduce the longterm effects of the scarring. Keloids, hypertrophic scars, widened scars, red scars, and hyperpigmented scars all require scar modulation with topical creams followed by lasers and RF therapy. Topical skincare should be directed to a specific need, whether for pigmentation or hypertrophy and our office can guide you through the process to obtain the correct Plato’s Scar cream or Melarase cream for hypertrophy and discoloration. In terms of lasers, we would employ the vbeam laser for redness, Venus Viva RF, PRP microneedling, chemical peels, and Morpheus 8, fractional erbium, or fractional co2. All of these have their individual benefits. Most of all, we recommend you visit a solid plastic surgeon who understands surgical scar revision, laser therapy, and RF therapy for scars. 
 
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

From your submitted photos it appears you are developing hypertrophic scars.  There are various treatments to help them fade and become flatter such as laser treatments and steroid injections.  The option is also there to have them revised.  Now that the surrounding tissue is healed the tension will be less on the revised incisions and will hopefully result in better scar formation.

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Thanks for your question! Your scars do look a little thicker and darker than is normal. I would suggest scar gel and perhaps some microneedling or laser treatments to improve the appearance. Good luck!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear sherlock87,
I understand you are concerned with the appearance of your scars. As your scars heal, it should flatten out and lighten. Loss of pigmentation or hyperpigmentation may also be experienced but will resolve over time. Always follow your surgeon's post operative care instructions when it comes to scar management to avoid any complications like infection and for faster healing and recovery.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Peter Andolina, DO · Answer

From your photos and your description it seems as if you are having some scarring issues. You may be developing some hypertrophic or keloid scars. The scar massage will help but will not completely solve the problem. Try using silicone sheets as well and you may need to go back to your surgeon for some other therapies to help with the scarring like steroid injections or laser therapies.

Are my breast reduction scars healing properly? (Photo)

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Answer: Scars

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Are my breast reduction scars healing properly? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Scars

Answer: Scars

Answer: BR scars

Answer: BR scars

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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.