Most women considering a breast reduction are excited about feeling lighter and more balanced. Still, it’s hard not to wonder what kind of scars you’ll have and how they’ll look as time passes.
At Bella Cosmetic Surgery in National Harbor, Maryland, board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Michael Chiaramonte and Dr. Anya Costeloe take every step to ensure safe healing and beautiful results for patients from Alexandria, Virginia, Clinton, Maryland, and throughout the region.
What to Expect From Breast Reduction Incisions
Every breast reduction involves incisions. Most patients have one of three common incision patterns:
- The anchor incision circles the areola, goes down the center of the breast, and continues along the crease underneath.
- The lollipop circles the areola and runs vertically to the crease.
- The donut stays around the areola only.
These techniques let your surgeon remove extra tissue, reshape the breast, and lift it into a more balanced position.
Scarring After Surgery
Right after surgery, scars can look pink, red, brown, or slightly raised, depending on your natural skin tone. Some people with deeper skin tones may notice that scars appear darker or develop temporary hyperpigmentation as they heal. These changes are normal and tend to fade gradually as the tissue strengthens and color evens out over time.
Usually, within six to 12 months, the lines will soften, flatten, and fade in color. Everyone heals at a different pace, but most people notice steady improvement with good care.
How your scars look in the long run depends on factors like skin tone, genetics, and how closely you follow your surgeon’s care instructions.
Tips to Help Scars Fade
You can take small but meaningful steps to help your scars fade:
- Keep incision areas clean and protected following your surgeon’s advice.
- Use sunscreen once your skin has healed to prevent darkening.
- Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet to support tissue repair.
- Ask about laser treatments or topical therapies available at our MedSpa.
Talk With Our Team About Your Breast Reduction Recovery
Your body’s healing process is unique, but with proper care and guidance, the scars typically fade significantly over time. To learn more or schedule a consultation, call 301-567-6767 to speak with the team at Bella Cosmetic Surgery in National Harbor, MD.
