Breast reduction surgery is a complex procedure, offering significant relief from physical discomforts such as back pain, shoulder pain, and skin irritation caused by overly large breasts. However, it’s important to remember that, like any surgical procedure, it leaves scars. These scars are a natural part of the healing process, but understanding where they will be located and how to care for them is important in helping you set realistic expectations. Proper scar care can improve the appearance of scars after breast reduction over time, helping you to feel more comfortable and confident in your skin.
Consultant Plastic Surgeon Anthony MacQuillan will walk you through the different scar patterns, explain why they’re necessary, and provide you with practical tips on how to minimise their appearance.
If you’re considering plastic surgery, this quiz will evaluate your medical history, current health status, and personal goals to determine if surgery is the right choice for you.
Before we look at the specifics of breast reduction scars, it’s helpful to understand why they happen. When your skin is cut during surgery, your body immediately begins a complex healing process. This process involves:
Scars are a natural part of this healing process. While your body works hard to make the scar as inconspicuous as possible, its appearance can be influenced by several factors, including:
There are several techniques used in breast reduction surgery, each with its own scarring pattern. Anthony will recommend the most appropriate method based on your individual needs and goals. The three main techniques are:
The inverted-T or anchor incision technique is the most commonly used method for breast reduction surgery. This technique involves three distinct incisions: one around the areola (the pigmented skin surrounding the nipple), another vertically from the bottom of the areola to the breast crease, and a final incision horizontally along the breast crease.
The incision around the areola allows Anthony to resize and reposition the nipple-areola complex to match the new, reduced breast size. The vertical incision from the areola to the breast crease enables the removal of excess breast tissue, fat, and skin, while also providing access for reshaping the remaining breast tissue to create a more lifted and youthful appearance.
Although the inverted-T technique results in the most extensive scarring compared to other breast reduction methods, it also provides the most comprehensive reshaping and reduction possibilities. This technique is particularly well-suited for women with very large breasts or those requiring a significant reduction in size.
Scars from the inverted-T technique will be present around the areola, vertically down the front of the breast, and horizontally along the breast crease. While these scars may be more noticeable initially, they typically fade and become less apparent over time. Most women find that the benefits of the surgery, such as reduced pain and improved body proportions, far outweigh any concerns about scarring.
The vertical or lollipop incision technique is an alternative to the inverted-T method, offering a less extensive scarring pattern. This technique involves two incisions: one around the areola and another vertically from the bottom of the areola to the breast crease.
Like the inverted-T technique, the incision around the areola allows for resizing and repositioning of the nipple-areola complex. The vertical incision enables the removal of excess breast tissue, fat, and skin while also providing access for reshaping the remaining breast tissue.
Scars from the vertical technique will be present around the areola and vertically down the front of the breast, resembling a lollipop shape. These scars may be more visible initially but will typically fade and become less noticeable over time.
The vertical technique may not be suitable for women with very large breasts or those requiring a significant reduction in size, as it may not allow for sufficient tissue removal and reshaping. In these cases, the inverted-T technique may be more appropriate.
The periareolar or donut incision technique involves a single incision made around the areola. This method results in the least amount of visible scarring compared to the inverted-T and vertical techniques.
During this procedure, Anthony creates a circular incision around the areola and removes a donut-shaped portion of skin, breast tissue, and fat. The remaining skin is then sutured together, and the areola is resized to match the new, reduced breast size.
Scars from the periareolar technique will be confined to the area around the areola and may be less noticeable than scars from other techniques, as they blend more easily with the natural pigmentation of the areola. However, the scar may still be visible, particularly in women with lighter skin tones.
It’s important to note that the periareolar technique may not be suitable for all patients, particularly those with very large breasts or those requiring a more substantial reduction. In these cases, the inverted-T or vertical techniques may be more appropriate to achieve the desired results.
While you can’t completely erase scars, you can take steps to help them fade and become less noticeable. Here are some tips for optimising your scar healing process:
Anthony will provide specific post-operative care instructions that are designed to promote healing and minimise scarring. These may include:
Silicone sheets and gels are commonly recommended for scar treatment. They work by hydrating the scar tissue, which can flatten and soften the scars over time. These products are usually applied once the incisions have fully closed and any scabs have fallen off.
Once Anthony gives the go-ahead, massaging your scars can help improve their appearance. Gentle massage can break down scar tissue and improve blood flow to the area, promoting better healing. Use a moisturiser or scar treatment cream to make the massage more effective.
Sun exposure can darken scars and make them more noticeable. Protect your scars from the sun by wearing clothing that covers them or by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF. It’s important to continue protecting your scars from sun exposure for at least a year after surgery.
If you’re concerned about the appearance of your scars following breast reduction surgery, various professional treatments are available that can help. These treatments aim to reduce the visibility of scars, improve their texture, and make them blend more seamlessly with the surrounding skin. Below are some of the most effective professional treatments for scar reduction, including detailed explanations of how each treatment works, its benefits, and what you can expect during and after the procedure.
Laser therapy is one of the most popular and effective treatments for reducing scar appearance. This technology uses focused light beams to target scar tissue and stimulate new, healthy skin growth. There are different types of lasers used in scar treatment, each designed for specific purposes.
Benefits of Laser Therapy
Laser therapy sessions typically last between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the size and number of scars being treated. Multiple sessions may be needed to achieve optimal results. After the treatment, you may experience some redness and swelling, similar to a sunburn, which usually subsides within a few days. It’s important to follow post-treatment care instructions, including avoiding sun exposure and using prescribed ointments to promote healing.
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, involves using a device with tiny needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. These micro-injuries stimulate the body’s natural healing response, leading to increased collagen and elastin production, which are essential for healthy, smooth skin.
Benefits of Microneedling
A typical microneedling session lasts about 30 to 45 minutes. A numbing cream is usually applied to the treatment area beforehand to minimise discomfort. After the procedure, your skin may appear red and slightly swollen, similar to a mild sunburn, for a few days. It’s crucial to keep the treated area clean and protected from the sun. Most people require multiple sessions spaced several weeks apart to achieve the best results.
Steroid injections are a common treatment for hypertrophic and keloid scars, which are thick, raised scars that can develop after surgery. These injections help to reduce the size and appearance of these types of scars by decreasing inflammation and flattening the scar tissue.
Benefits of Steroid Injections
Steroid injections are usually administered in Anthony’s office. The number of injections and frequency of treatments will depend on the size and severity of your scars. Each session typically takes only a few minutes. You might experience some temporary redness and tenderness at the injection site, but these side effects usually subside quickly. Regular follow-up treatments may be necessary to maintain the results.
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