What Changes Occur With Scars After Breast Reduction?
Added on 20th September 2019
An Introduction to Breast Reduction Surgery
Many patients may have concerns about the changes that occur with the scars after breast reduction surgery. Breast reduction surgery involves the removal of skin which means incisions are required to be made around the areola and breast. A vertical incision from the bottom of the areola to underneath the new fold in order to remove the tissue and reduce the breast size.
Types of Incisions in a Breast Reduction
There are 2 incision options available to you. You can either have the traditional incision that was mentioned above or an incision that runs underneath the breasts, more commonly known as an ‘anchor incision’. Each of these will produce scars after breast reduction so feel free to discuss which option you prefer in your consultation.
A Case Study Comparing Scars After Breast Reduction
The patient in the case study has opted for a breast reduction. Due to the size of the breasts, after the breast reduction surgery has been conducted a lot of excess skin has occurred. As such, she has opted for an anchor incision to take place.
Images of Scars After Breast Reduction (1 Week)
The next image shows the 1st-week appearance of scars after breast reduction. As you can see, there is a large degree of bruising and swelling towards the bottom of the breasts at the fold. This is where the inframammary scar is located.
This does take a number of weeks to settle. At UK Aesthetic, we prefer not to use the dressings or drains as part of the recovery. Instead, support bras are advised for the first 6 weeks and patients tend to mobilise relatively quickly.
Images of Scars (6 Weeks)
There has been a great improvement in the irregularities and swelling of the scars after breast reduction in week 6. Bruising has also settled and wounds have healed. At this point, redness is still common around the scars and this is as a result of the dissolvable stitches that would have been put in place.
Images of Scars (Final Results)
The final results have been taken a year after surgery and as you can see, scarring around the fold and areola have now completely healed. The inframammary scar that was previously visible in the early weeks has now become less visible due to the breasts dropping over the fold.
Long Term Results
As you can see, although initial results showcase visible scarring, over time the scars can change and become less visible through recovery. The images above have shown the results of the scars after breast reduction from weeks 1, 6 and 52. However, it should be noted that the results may differ depending on the patient.
If you would like to see more case studies revolved around the appearance of scars after breast reduction surgery, visit our breast reduction case study page.
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