Recovery

It depends upon what is meant by normal. Breast scars fade over time and become very acceptable. In breast reduction the scars are a trade off for reduced breast size, increased comfort and improved shape. As you heal and enjoy the changes made by your breast reduction, this will become your new normal. If you have specific concerns about your scars, it is best to voice your concerns with your surgeon to see if your healing is satisfactory or if any additional scar therapy is appropriate. Breast reduction surgery is associated with a very high level of patient satisfaction. Chances are you will be extremely happy too. Best wishes.

Following surgery, scars take time to mature over many months. Patients will heal their scar differently based on a variety of factors involving the extent of the scars, how the incisions were closed, the patient's tendency toward thin or thick scars. Discuss your concerns with your surgeon so that they can carefully monitor your scarring to heal optimally.

In general scars take 9-12 months to fully mature and will continue to change over time. Depending on you skin type and quality the scars can change quite dramatically during the first several month. It is important to have regular follow up appointments with your surgeon so that the recovery process can be monitored over time. There are some additional measures that may help the scar as it heals - these may include silicone scar sheets/gel or scar laser treatments.

Thank you for sharing your question. Scars can mature for over a year from surgery as they need time to fade and soften. Talk to your surgeon about methods to accelerate the process, they can offer you advice on silicone creams/sheets, taping, sun protection, lightening creams, etc.

Depending on your skin type and age, your scar will fade at a different rate. The younger you are, the longer it takes for the scar to fade. It is helpful if your surgeon has a scar program, such as Biocorneum, which speeds the rate of maturation of the scar. Overall, expect 9-18 months before the scar is non-noticeable. Importantly, protect your scar from UV light. Tanning can significantly darken the scar, and this can be permanent.

Thank you for your question. Everyone heals different following a breast reduction as there are different surgical techniques and each individual and anatomy is different. Generally, I tell my patients that for the first 12-18 months the scars are in what is known as the "maturation phase." During this phase it is important that the patient properly treat the scars in order to achieve optimal results. Sunscreen and topical scar treatments are recommended during this time. Your surgeon should be able to recommend different products that they have experience with. Good luck with your recovery.

I have recommended my ScaRxtape.com for all my patients post injury and surgery to maximize improvement of the scars.

Dr. Edward Jonas Domanskis is Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery

Newport Beach, San Francisco,Miami, EU, Anguilla,Nassau

Assistant Clinical Professor of SurgeryWOS-Plastic,University of California (Irvine)

Orange County’s Physician of Excellence/America’s Top Physicians/Top Doctors

Plastic Surgery- 2005-2018

President,American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons

Organoderm Skin care/ScaRxTape