Scarring After Surgery

If you are considering breast reduction surgery, you have probably learned about many of the benefits already. But in order to make the best decision for yourself you will need to consider some of the side effects, such as scarring.

If you would like to talk with a surgeon who can tell you more about Los Angeles and Beverly Hills breast reduction risks, including scarring, request your consultation through Inside Online. With Inside Online, we offer exclusive benefits for Web site visitors such as free consultations at select times.

While all breast reductions result in some amount of scarring, great care is taken to minimize scarring — from performing the least amount of incisions, to careful suturing, to proper post-op care. Still, the ultimate amount of scarring will depend on the procedure and the patient. So let's take a look at the different Southern California breast reduction methods and as well as the factors that promote well-healed scars.

Breast Reduction Methods

Liposuction breast reduction creates the least amount of scarring because it requires just a few small incisions. Scarring is also less visible because the incisions typically happen on the underside of the breast, in the breast crease. Typically there are two incisions approximately 5 millimeters in length under each breast. The tradeoff is that only a modest reduction may be achieved and the breast is not lifted.

Circumareolar Scar

The resulting scar is a circle around the areola only. It may be used for small breast lifts and rarely for a reduction. The scar tends to widen for larger lifts or reductions, so the circumareolar scar technique is not used commonly.

Lollipop Scars

The lollipop or keyhole scar technique is a relatively new and popular way to perform a full breast lift or reduction with less scarring than the anchor scar procedures. Also known as the "LeJour", "Vertical", or "short scar" techniques, this newer operation is performed by only a small percentage of surgeons. Dr. Stoker frequently performs the laser-assisted breast reductions or Laser Bra lifts using this short scar technique.

Anchor Scars

This is the most common scar that results from a breast reduction or lift. The scar looks like the lollipop with an additional horizontal scar in the breast crease. The laser-assisted breast reductions and Laser Bra lifts are also performed using this technique. The Laser Bra combined with the anchor scar results in the maximum amount of lift. It is an especially good procedure for large reductions or lifts.

About Scars

Everybody scars differently. Some people scar more easily than others. Some areas of the skin scar more than others. Some lifestyle activities make scars more visible. So, what exactly is a scar?

Think of scarring as a visible healing act. In the beginning stages of recovery — usually the first two to three months — your scars may be very apparent and pronounced. This is normal healing. As time goes by the scars will slowly become smaller and less visible. It may take up to two years for skin to fully heal from surgery. By then scars are considered "mature" and you will see their final outcome.

What determines how much you will scar? It depends mostly on age, location, genetics and lifestyle.

• Age. Generally, younger skin makes thicker scars because it so vigorously heals itself. So take heart if you ever have mixed emotions about getting older. Getting older means less visible scarring.
• Location. The looser the skin fits over a part of the body, the less it will show a scar. For instance, a scar on the cheek may produce a less pronounced scar than one on the jaw line, where skin is stretched over the jawbone. This is good news for breast reductions where the skin is typically supple and fleshy.
• Genetics. Some people are simply more prone to developing visible scars than others. Some factors include skin tone, skin type and good old DNA.
• Lifestyle. Smoking, sun exposure and not following post-operative instructions all contribute to more visible scarring.
  • Smoking decreases the body's ability to transport oxygen through the bloodstream. This means that your body has less oxygen to help it heal after surgery. Scars will not only heal more slowly, they may not fade to their maximum potential.
  • Sun exposure will tan scars, making them more visible.
  • Not following post-op instructions dutifully can lead to prolonged recovery. Follow your physician's orders after your operation. Wear your surgical bra as directed. If you are told to take it easy, take it easy. If you are told to take medicine, take medicine. All of these things will help you heal more quickly.

Finally, breast reductions in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles and across the country have among the highest patient satisfaction rate of all elective surgeries. So while all breast reductions will come with some scarring, most women see this as a justifiable trade-off. They look forward to having smaller and perkier breasts, participating in athletic activities, fitting into clothing, and being relieved of pain in the neck, shoulders and back.

Start feeling more comfortable and enjoying your look when you request your consultation with one of our plastic surgeons through Inside Online.