Breast Reduction Scars

Overview

  • Breast reduction scars are unavoidable, but they do fade with time and proper scar care.
  • Most patients have an anchor-shaped scar after a breast lift that circles the areola, extends down to the breast crease in a vertical line, and then travels across the breast crease.
  • Expect breast reduction scars to be more extensive than those left behind by breast augmentations and lifts.
  • Although usually unnecessary, there are scar refinement treatments available to patients whose scars remain overly visible.

Breast Reduction Scars: How to Minimize Them for Natural-Looking Results

Breast reduction surgery is primarily about eliminating back, neck, and shoulder pain to improve your quality of life—but we understand that leaving you with ugly scars isn’t going to do that. Although the surgery involves incisions that are necessary to remove excess breast tissue, plastic surgeons use careful incision placement along with modern surgical techniques designed to minimize scarring. Taking good care of yourself and your incisions after surgery also helps make scars less visible.

Why Breast Reduction Scars Are Unique

Breast reduction scars tend to be larger than those of breast augmentation due to the need to remove tissue and skin. The most common incision types are known as the lollipop and the anchor. A lollipop (vertical) incision goes around the areola and then down vertically to the breast crease. An anchor (inverted-T) incision does the same but then continues along the crease beneath the breast.

Breast augmentation scars tend to be periareolar, which means they are hidden around and within the areola for very low visibility. They may also reside beneath the breast crease where they will also be well hidden. Because a reduction focuses on resizing and reshaping the breasts, more extensive incisions are necessary. Breast lift scars tend to mimic those of breast reduction but may be shorter as less tissue is removed.

What to Expect with Breast Reduction Scars

During your breast reduction recovery, it’s important to remember that scars change and fade over time. Scars may appear red, raised, or slightly swollen during the first few weeks after surgery, and they may feel sensitive or tight. Scars do fade with time, but it takes up to a year for them to mature into their final form. A scar that bothers you a month after surgery may prove much more discreet in a few months.

Healing Timeline

  • Weeks 1–6
    • Scars start to heal, with redness and swelling gradually reducing
  • Months 3–6
    • Scars begin to fade and flatten as the healing process continues
  • Months 6–12
    • Scars mature, becoming lighter and less noticeable

Factors Influencing Breast Reduction Scars

Exactly how your scars look and when depends on several different factors. Some have to do with your surgeon and others with you. Factors affecting breast reduction scar healing and appearance include:

  • Where your surgeon places your incisions and how much tension that placement creates as your incisions heal
  • The precision of your surgeon’s suturing technique
  • Your genetics, age, and overall health
  • Adherence to proper wound care and scar treatment guidelines
  • Skin type
  • Skin tone (patients with darker skin tones are more prone to keloid scars and hyperpigmentation)

How to Minimize Breast Reduction Scars

Some scarring is inevitable after a breast reduction, but you’re not completely at the mercy of your body’s healing process. There are actions you can take to minimize scarring, including:

  • Keeping incision sites clean and dry to prevent infection
  • Avoiding pulling or stretching the skin during the healing phase
  • Applying silicone scar gels and sheets to improve scar texture and visibility
  • Using surgeon-recommended creams containing ingredients like onion extract or vitamin E
  • Protecting your scars from the sun by wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher
  • Covering your scars with a bandage or clothing when outdoors
  • Wearing surgical bras to reduce swelling and minimize scar tension

Long-Term Options for Scar Refinement

If you wait for your scar to mature but are still unhappy with its appearance, you won’t find yourself stuck with nowhere to turn. Raised scars and keloids can often be treated with steroid injections. Laser therapy and microneedling can fade prominent scars as well. In extreme cases, scar revision surgery may help.

Most patients find that their scars fade to a satisfactory appearance within a year. If yours don’t, consider consulting with a dermatologist to see what help is available and likely to work best for you.

Recap & Next Steps

Scarring is a normal part of breast reduction and other surgeries and is part of your body’s natural response to injury. With time and proper care, most surgical scars fade significantly. You can help minimize your breast reduction scars by choosing a skilled plastic surgeon and following their aftercare instructions thoroughly. If you’re considering a breast reduction procedure, we invite you to sign up today for a free virtual consultation where you can ask your questions about scarring and other aspects of the procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the scars located after breast reduction surgery?
Scars are typically located around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease, and along the crease in an anchor pattern.
Are breast reduction scars more noticeable than breast augmentation scars?
Yes, reduction scars are often larger due to tissue removal but do fade significantly over time and with proper care.
How long do breast reduction scars take to heal?
Scars tend to form during the initial six- to eight-week healing period after surgery but can take 12 months to fully mature and fade.
Can I use scar creams immediately after breast reduction surgery?
No. You need to wait until your incisions heal fully to begin using scar treatments. This typically requires waiting for two to four weeks after surgery.
What if my scars are still prominent after a year?
Persistent scars can be treated with options like laser therapy, microneedling, or steroid injections to improve their appearance.
How are breast reduction scars different from lift scars?
Reduction scars are typically longer due to tissue removal, while lift scars may be shorter as they primarily address skin tightening and reshaping.

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