Breast reduction (mammoplasty) surgery can be an optimal choice for those who want to reduce large or heavy breasts. But it does involve surgical incisions, which means some scarring is inevitable.
If you’re thinking about getting breast surgery, it’s normal to wonder what to expect from your post-surgical scars. Here, we will discuss what to expect and how to manage your scars after breast reduction mammoplasty. To get individual guidance on the post-operative period, get in touch with plastic surgeon Dr Justin Perron in Brisbane.
Scars after breast surgery
When thinking about mammoplasty breast reduction scars, it’s important to know that scar treatments cannot begin until the wound has fully healed. Surgical incisions need time, rest, and patience in order to heal properly. During this time, scar tissue will begin to form, which is a normal part of your body’s healing process. Collagen fibres promote new tissue growth and skin remodelling, which often comes with some inflammation – this is how scars form.
Only after this healing phase should you begin to explore scar management and treatment options.
What will my scars look like?
Everyone may experience post-surgical scarring differently. This is because each patient may have a different treatment plan, incision placement, recovery experience, and genetic predisposition. All of these factors can have an effect on how your scars look, as we will expand on below:
Incision methods
Breast reduction mammoplasty surgery usually involves linear incisions, and the placement of your scars will depend on which surgical techniques are used. Generally, you can expect to have linear scars from the areola down to the bottom of the breasts. In some cases, you may also have scars around the areola and horizontally at the breast crease.
Timeline
You should be aware that scars change in appearance over time – the way your scars look four weeks after surgery will not be how they look 12 months after surgery. This is because scar tissue tends to mature and fade over time. While they may start off looking red, raised, and large, they will likely fade in colour, size, and prominence naturally over time (provided that you take care to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions).
Genetic predispositions
Another factor is genetics. While most people may find that their scars fade significantly over time, others may unfortunately be more prone to large scars. If you are prone to large, hypertrophic, or keloid scars, please discuss this with Dr Perron before your surgery.
How can I manage breast reduction scars?
If you want to manage and help minimise your breast surgery scars, there are a few key things to keep in mind:
Post-operative recovery
The first and perhaps the most impactful way to help your scars develop and mature is to take proper care of yourself during recovery.
Dr Perron will give you instructions on how to care for your incision sites, such as keeping the areas clean and dry, to aid the healing process. The better you take care of your incisions while they heal, the better your body will be able to develop scar tissue, which can help the appearance of your scars in the future.
Creams and silicone gel treatments
Scar creams and silicone gel sheets are treatment options for patients who want topical scar management. These products can help to soften the tissue and keep the area moist.
Hydration and sun protection
Keeping your skin hydrated and protected can be a great help to your maturing scar tissue. Make sure to drink enough water, maintain a healthy diet, and protect your skin from the harsh elements.
Sun exposure, in particular, can cause scar tissue to become darker and more prominent. You can protect your skin by wearing sunscreen or protective clothing when going outside.
Massage therapy
Lightly massaging your scars can also assist in treating their appearance. This should be done with gentle pressure in circular motions and only after the wound has fully healed.
Other scar treatment options
Depending on your needs, other options may be available for scar management, such as:
- Compression garments
- Laser therapy
- Revision surgery
If you’re unsure which scar treatment options to try, consult with your surgeon about your specific concerns and goals. A qualified surgeon, such as Dr Justin Perron, will be able to advise which scar management options may be most suitable for you and when.
Consult with Dr Perron for breast reduction mammoplasty surgery in Brisbane
During private consultations, Dr Perron is happy to answer questions about surgery preparation and aftercare, including any concerns you may have about scar treatment. While it’s true that scars won’t fully disappear, they can become less noticeable over time with the proper care and management. To learn more about breast reduction mammoplasty scars during the post-operative phase, book your personal consultation.
