A breast reduction leaves scars around the areola, vertically down to the breast fold, and usually along the fold itself — the shape most people call an anchor. They are red and raised at around three months, and pale and flat in most patients by twelve.
Scars are the trade in this operation. A patient who understands where they will sit, and what they will look like at each stage, is rarely surprised. One who does not is often distressed at three months, precisely when scars look their worst.
Where the scars sit
| Pattern | Where the scars are | When it is used |
|---|---|---|
| Vertical (lollipop) | Around the areola, then straight down to the fold | Smaller reductions, where less skin needs removing |
| Anchor (inverted T) | Around the areola, down to the fold, then along the fold | Larger reductions and most patients after major weight loss |
The scar along the fold sits where the breast meets the chest, so it is hidden by a bra and by most swimwear. The vertical scar is the one you will see in a mirror.
Which pattern you need depends on how much skin has to come out, not on preference. Dr Kumar will tell you which applies to you at your consultation and show you where the lines will fall.
What happens over twelve months
| When | What the scar looks like |
|---|---|
| Weeks 1–6 | Covered by dressings; the skin around them is bruised and swollen |
| Week 6 | Dressings off; scars are pink and flat to slightly raised |
| Month 3 | Reddest and firmest. This is the low point, and it is normal |
| Month 6 | Colour fading, softening under the fingers |
| Month 12 | Pale and flat in most patients; final review with Dr Kumar |
Scars continue to remodel well beyond the first few months, which is why questions about refinement or revision are better answered late in that first year than early.
The scar care protocol
Scar care here follows a set protocol rather than being left to chance. Prineo and Micropore go on at surgery and stay for six weeks. A pressure garment is worn for the same six weeks. The full timeline is set out in breast reduction recovery week by week. After that, Dr Kumar’s nurses will take you through silicone and massage, and review the scars at each visit through to twelve months.
What makes a scar worse
- Returning to exercise early. Tension across a healing scar widens it. This is the commonest cause of a poor scar.
- Smoking. It impairs wound healing directly.
- Sun on a new scar. Keep it covered for the first year.
- Skin type. Some people form thicker scars regardless of technique, and a family or personal history of keloid is worth raising before surgery.
- Wound problems. A wound that separates or becomes infected will leave a wider scar.
Common questions
Can the scars be removed? No. They can be helped to fade, and a widened scar can sometimes be revised after twelve months, but a reduction always leaves a permanent scar.
Will they be visible in a bikini? The fold and vertical scars sit within the breast and are covered by most swimwear. Sheer or plunging styles may show the vertical scar.
Do scars differ after major weight loss? Often yes. Skin quality after significant weight loss means more skin usually has to be removed, so an anchor pattern is more common.
Is laser or needling worth it? For most patients, silicone, time and sun protection do the work. Dr Kumar will tell you honestly if he thinks anything further would help you.
Next step
The scars are the part of this operation worth discussing in person, with your own anatomy in front of you. Bring a GP referral to a consultation, or ask Dr Kumar’s nurses what to expect first — 1300 267 726.
If your reduction is part of a wider plan after weight loss, read body contouring after major weight loss.
The initial consultation with Dr Kumar is $400, with a Medicare rebate of approximately $88 where you have a GP referral. Surgical fees are quoted individually after your consultation, in a written itemised quote.
All surgery carries risks, and individual results will vary. Read more about the risks of surgery here. A GP referral is required to see Dr Kumar.
Dr Rohit Kumar (MED0001630444) Registered medical practitioner, specialist plastic surgeon (specialist registration in surgery – plastic surgery).
