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Question

Breast reduction scars: best way to reduce appearance

I just had breast reduction surgery. The scars seem to be settling, and I want to know what to put on them to minimize their appearance.

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Asked by: jessica ayala

Answers (2)

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1
October 31, 2008

It is amazing how nice the incisions look after several months.

David Shafer, MD
David Shafer, MD

Jessica,

If you just had breast reduction surgery, listen to the recommendations of your plastic surgeon. Most surgeons prefer surgical tape or strips for the first few weeks. You can then progress to silicone sheets. However, they must be worn almost 100% of the time for several weeks to months to make a difference. The best thing for you to do right now is just wait. After your surgeon gives you the okay, I would recommend gentle massage over the incisions to help them soften. Scars/incisions go through a maturation process where they actually get slightly thicker (like a cord under the skin) as the collagen is rebuilding for the first six weeks. Then, over several months the incisions soften up and flatten out. When patients come back six months to a year out from surgery, it is amazing how nice the incisions look. As with all incisions, you should protect them from the sun with either clothing or SPF lotion.

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2
October 31, 2008

Tincture of time for most people

Steven Wallach, MD
Steven Wallach, MD
Board Certified
Plastic Surgeon

That is a very common question. The majority of peopl will heal fine without any topicla type treatment( silicone tape or sheeting, or topical salves). So, I always say that tincture of time is often the best medicine. That being said, I like to keep steristrips or paper tape on the incisions for at least 3-4 weeks.

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