One concern some women have when considering breast reduction surgery is the scars they will be left with. Although the procedure can provide many cosmetic and functional benefits by removing excess tissue, this cannot be achieved without incisions and, therefore, post-operative scarring. Our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Neil J. Zemmel, uses meticulous surgical technique to ensure incisions are as small as possible and in inconspicuous areas that are easy to hide with clothing. When performed by Dr. Zemmel, breast reduction scars are typically in a lollipop shape (around the areola and extending down) or anchor shape (around the areola, extending down, and along the inframammary crease). In some cases, patients who only need liposuction to reduce their breast size can expect even smaller scars.
If you would like to further conceal the scars you have from a previous breast reduction, some patients choose to disguise their incision lines with a tattoo. Dr. Zemmel tells these patients that tattoos over visible scars can be a great cosmetic solution. However, he advises to wait until the end of the healing period during your recovery. This is important because receiving a tattoo can add stress to the skin and increase your chance of infection.
To plan a tattoo to cover a breast reduction scar, such as underneath the breasts near the fold, Dr. Zemmel encourages patients to consult with their plastic surgeon to determine whether their healing has concluded and they are no longer at risk for related complications. He also recommends finding a tattoo artist who is experienced with tattooing scar tissue, as this can be a more complex process to achieve a favorable aesthetic outcome.
For more information about what to expect from your breast reduction scars, as well as how you can minimize these lines, please contact Richmond Aesthetic Surgery to schedule a consultation.