When your breasts are too large, it can be just as much of a self-esteem concern as having a small chest. However, large breasts are often a physical problem too, as they can cause you to have back pain and other health issues.
Now that insurance companies recognize the burden of plus-sized breasts, many policies cover breast reduction surgeries. These procedures give the patient the breast size and shape they wish to have by making incisions in the skin and using technology to adjust the tissues.
Understandably, if you’re considering this surgery, you’re concerned about the recovery and scarring left behind. The main key to these two post-surgical aspects is the precision and capability of the doctor you choose. Those looking for a breast reduction in Utah should search for medical providers with top reputations in their area.
But no matter how well your surgery is performed, any skin incision can leave a scar. Here, we’ll discuss how to minimize the appearance of any scars after your breast reduction.
Understanding How Scars Are Formed
Scars happen to all of us throughout our lives. They’re a natural part of the body’s healing process. When your skin’s barrier is broken through a cut, burn, or other damage, the tissues repair themselves. Similar to a microscopic, slow-moving zipper, your body pulls together the wound and fills in the open areas with new tissue made mostly from collagen.
The size and type of scar that’s left behind depends on the damage to the skin. Surgical procedures may be short, tiny openings or longer, wider cuts. Breast reduction surgeries use multiple techniques.
Choosing the Right Technique For You
Before you decide on a provider or surgery, talk to your doctor about using short- or large-scar techniques. Each has its pros and cons depending on the results you want.
A shorter-scar surgery technique creates small incisions strategically placed to provide minimal changes (about one smaller cup size and less sagging) in the breast. This technique works well if you want a minor adjustment in the size and shape of the breasts without much scarring. The incisions are almost all below the nipple and can be covered with a bra or bathing suit.
When the goal is a more substantial change in the breast size and shape, usually due to asymmetry, sagging, or multiple cup size reductions, a larger-scar technique is necessary. This technique uses one more incision under the breasts than the shorter-scar method, and the line isn’t visible when you’re wearing a bra or swimsuit.
Caring For Your Post-Surgical Incision
How you take care of the incision area after your surgery can make or break the type of scar left behind. It can take up to one year for the scars to fade naturally, and those with dark skin are more likely to develop hyperpigmentation or thicker, raised scars.
Your post-surgery habits can help. Ensure you listen to the doctor’s instructions and wear the chest bandages and surgical bra for 72 hours after surgery. During your follow-up, you’ll receive instructions as to how to care for your unique skin type and potential scar-minimizing methods that may work for you.
Avoid using tanning beds, smoking, scrubbing, itching, or scratching the incision area while it is healing. This can make the scarring worse.
With a top-quality, board-certified breast reduction surgeon and the right after-care, your surgical scars can be minimal, and the new look you’ll have after the procedure will make every tiny line worthwhile!