One factor which many patients have understandable concerns about when they present to discuss a potential breast reduction is scarring. It is important to acknowledge that scars are inevitable after Breast reduction procedures. There is a significant variation in the long term appearance and quality of individual women's scar following breast reduction due to individual characteristics of patient's skin. As surgeons we are attempting as closely as possible to perform the procedures strictly to the same formula for every patient in order that we achieve predictable, consistent , and favourable outcomes so the major differences in long term scarring outcomes come from the differences. Firstly, it may help to explain that scarring from a surgical incision ideally looks like a thin line on top of your skin. At first, the area is red or pink in colour, but slowly it will generally fade and if raised will flatten as the scar heals. The reality is that every...

When deciding on a breast reduction technique, it is important to remember that different techniques will leave different scars. All breast reduction techniques leave scars, however, to what extent partly depends on the specific incision techniques used. There are two different scar patterns commonly produced: Shorter Scar technique (Vertical) This technique consists of two smaller incisions. The method is used for people who experience sagging and want a minimal to moderate reduction in breast size. The first incision is made around the areola, and the second is from the bottom of the areola to just above the breast fold. Larger-scar techniques (Anchor) These involve more incisions and are often used on patients requiring a larger reduction in breast size. The technique involves three incisions. One between the areola and breast crease, one around the areola and one horizontally along the breast crease. This technique is most often used for women who desire a la...