What technique is most likely not to have revisions or scarring ?
How do I find out sucess and revision rates on a physician?
Hi MNicole, thank you for your questions. Every time a plastic surgeon makes an incision, a scar will result. Scars can heal with a fine line or a wider line. While some of this is technique, other contributing factors are the patient's skin quality and how their own body heals. Most scars take between one and two years to mature and lose their red or pink color. Also, I find that the perception of how a scar has healed varies among the people who have them. There is no scarless breast lift.
Revisions can happen for different reasons. If someone has a wound healing problem and an unattractive scar develops, that could be a reason. Skin laxity can change with aging, so that could be another reason. Weight changes can also lead to needing revisions (usually for weight loss but not always). While in general breast lifts are long lasting, breasts do age and change with time.
As far as revision rates are concerned, the best way would be to ask the surgeon you are seeing.
Mastopexy techniques that are designed to minimize or eliminate the inframammary scar (like SPAIR) tend to age poorly, with drop out, long vertical scars and star gazing nipples the usual problems. I’m sure Dr. Dennis Hammond, the inventor of SPAIR doesn’t have as many issues as other surgeon’s, a common problem when the masses (of plastic surgeons) try to apply someone else’s techniques. A well designed and executed anchor scar will like last the longest and look the best. Post surgical taping with an elastic and porous tape (Hypafix, purchase on Amazon for $20 for 20 yards!) is the best scar treatment available. Best of luck.
A SPAIR technique or an inferior pedicure with a T closure will likely have similar risks. Both use an inferior pedicle. In terms of revision, most reduction techniques have a low revision rate.
Dear Nicole,
Hello and thank you for your excellent question. In general, I perform a no-vertical scar breast lift. It is best to answer your question during a face-to-face evaluation, when you can discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure, and you can have a physical examination to evaluate for that procedure. I recommend that you find a board-certified, or board-eligible plastic surgeon with whom you are comfortable. Be sure to have all of your questions answered during a face-to-face meeting with your surgeon, and review before and after pictures of similar patients whom have had this procedure. If you have any questions, call our office for assistance. Good luck!
All breast reductions will have scarring but it is well hidden and the trade off (less neck, back and shoulder pain) is tremendous! It's less the technique and more the surgeon's experience that will guide the result. Each patient is different, heals differently and may benefit from different approaches by the same surgeon. Find a surgeon you like and ask to speak to previous patients. Having confidence in your surgeon is thee most important factor! Best wishes to you.
Thank you for sharing your excellent question. All mastopexy techniques will involve some degree of tissue scarring and it is more important to select the appropriate incision pattern to achieve long-lasting results. As for success and revision rates you will need to ask your physician directly as there is no database that monitors it. Hope this helps.