If you are considering undergoing breast reduction to achieve smaller, lighter breasts, you may have heard about the physical and emotional relief patients feel following the procedure. You may have also heard that the procedure requires incisions on the breast that will ultimately lead to significant scarring. Dr. George Sanders understands that many of his patients are concerned about visible scarring after surgery and makes it a priority to discuss post-op scarring in detail with his patients. He explains more about what to expect in this blog post.
A Look at Incision Techniques Used for Breast Reduction
There are several incision techniques that can be used to reduce the size of the breasts during reduction surgery. The technique used will depend on several factors, including the degree of correction needed. The first technique involves creating a circular pattern around the areola. A very limited amount of breast tissue is removed with this technique. Its main use is to make the areolas smaller, lift the nipples up, and equalize nipples that are at different levels. A second incision technique creates a keyhole pattern on the breast; the incision begins around the areola and extends vertically down the breast crease. This is used primarily for breast lifting, but more breast tissue can be removed than in the first technique. The third incision technique creates an anchor-shaped incision pattern that encircles the areola and extends downward to the breast fold and then continues in both directions along the fold.
As you recover from surgery, you will notice scarring. Due to the nature of the surgery, scarring is inevitable. The good news, however, is that the scars will heal over time. In addition, the scars can be concealed with most swimsuits and bras.
Post-op Breast Reduction Scar Care
With proper care, your breast reduction scars will fade until they are barely visible. Dr. Sanders will provide you with a full list of instructions to follow as you recover to ensure your scars heal quickly and properly. Here are a few general guidelines to remember:
- Wear your surgical support bra as directed. You may need to wear your surgical bra for several weeks to help the breasts (and scars) heal as safely and quickly as possible.
- Avoid strenuous activities, including exercise, until cleared by your surgeon. Exercising too soon after surgery can cause the incision sites to reopen, which in turn can lead to unfavorable scarring.
- Don’t smoke. Smoking impairs your body’s ability to heal and can cause complications, including excessive scarring.
- Apply sunscreen. Unprotected sun exposure can cause scars to thicken and darken.
- Use the silicone scar gel as directed for three months after surgery.
- Consider the use of Embrace silicone sheets to protect your incisions from the tension that leads to problematic scars.
- Steroid injections, microneedling, and laser treatment may also be utilized.
The best thing you can do to ensure successful and natural-looking results from breast reduction is to work with a board certified and experienced breast reduction surgeon. Having performed hundreds of breast reduction procedures during his plastic surgery career, Dr. Sanders has the skill and training needed to achieve beautiful breast reduction results. To learn more about breast reduction surgery with Dr. Sanders, please schedule an appointment. Contact us by calling 818.981.3333 or sending an email today.
