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Breast reduction scars are permanent and can vary from thin, pale, flat scars to scars which are raised, red, and painful. A number of factors are known to be important in scar formation but the most important are the patient’s skin type and age. The surgeon and surgical technique for breast reduction can also impact on the appearance of the scars. This page summarises the range of scar appearances that are seen with breast reduction scars.
Breast reduction scars – will I get good scars?
The best scarring from breast reduction surgery occurs in patients who are older and have skin that tans easily in the sun. The very best scars (some of which are very difficult to see) occur in elderly women however most patients choose to have breast reduction surgery before they are elderly.
Breast reduction scars – bad scars
Some patients have a tendency to forming bad scars (thick, red, raised scars). These scars are also known as hypertrophic or keloid scars. Hypertrophic scars are more common in young patients i.e. under the age of 25 years and in those who have skin which does not tan easily in strong sun (e.g. white skin and red hair or black/dark brown hair who have skin which does not tan or burns in sunlight). Some patients with afro-caribbean ancestry form very thick scars called keloid scars (there is usually a family history of other family members forming similar bad scars). Some patients can have healing problems after breast reduction surgery and if the wound takes a long time to heal then there is an increased chance of the scar being thick and raised.