Incision Patterns for Breast Reduction
If you’re like most of our patients considering breast reduction, you’re curious how the scars will look. That’s a matter of the incision pattern, so we’ll start by explaining that.
Anchor Incision for Breast Reduction
For most breast reductions, our surgeons use the anchor, or “inverted T” technique, with incisions placed around the nipple/areola complex, vertically from the bottom of the areola to the crease beneath the breast, and horizontally along this crease. This pattern allows them to remove the optimal amount of excess tissue from each breast, eliminate sagging, and adjust symmetry between the breasts. It also leaves the nipple complex intact, helping preserve nipple sensation as much as possible.
Resulting scars are located along the natural outer edge of the areola, along the lower half of the breast, and hidden in the inframammary fold (breast crease). All are easily hidden beneath a bra or bikini top, and these scars will fade as long as you practice good scar care.
Helping your scars fade after breast reduction
Scars come with the territory, but you can do a lot to help them fade as nicely as possible.
- Don’t smoke. Nicotine use inhibits healing, leading to poor scars.
- Follow post-op instructions. Doing too much too soon strains incisions, possibly stretching scars.
- Leave surgical tape on as long as possible. This helps your scars heal flat.
- Keep incisions protected from UV rays. Many swimsuits let UV light through, so apply broad-spectrum sunscreen before heading out as a precaution. It can only help.
