Breast reduction surgery involves tissue takeout and breast reshaping which requires tightening of the skin envelope in all dimensions. The nipple and areola needs to be moved up and often made smaller so it is more proportional to the new breast size. A certain scar pattern results. There is no way to achieve tightening and a lift effect without scars. Scars are always around the areola and then vertically down the lower half of the breast. Most patients will also have an inframammary crease scar to shorten the vertical dimension of the breast.
The majority of people accept the location of the areolar scar and breast fold scar, as they hide in natural breast creases and contours. The vertical scar is the source of hesitation, as it traverses the lower half of the breast in a conspicuous manner. Ironically, and for reasons unknown, the vertical limb scar almost always heals the best. This scar fades and blends with time and has the best overall quality. Even in patients with a history of poor scarring, this scar limb is rarely prone to keloids (scars that grow larger than the incision) or hypertrophic scars (red and raised scars). This scar is also the result of a very powerful deeper breast lift maneuver, so the benefits are definitely worth it.
The scars hide in normal bras, swimsuits, and clothing. They are visible up close by the individual and their family. They fade and blend into surrounding skin over years and often times look no different or even better than a stretch mark. Across a room (like in a spa setting), they go unnoticed. Many women also possess this scar pattern, so it is quite common, especially in our region where many women opt for breast surgery.
Scars are permanent and everyone heals differently, so no guarantees can be made on the final scar quality. Keloid scars, hypertrophic scars, dark scars, light scars, and wide scars are always a possibility depending on your inherent healing ability, irrespective of the perfect hairline closure performed by Dr. Brown.
So the answer is YES, they are worth the trade-off. We have never seen a patient regret their decision and desire their large, sagging breasts back. Patients want their breasts as naturally high and tight as possible, as tissues relax and stretch over time. This dictates skin tightening in all dimensions, and scars are the trade-off. In Las Vegas we have a subset of patients in the entertainment industry, who are exposed at work. These patients also have breast reduction and breast lift surgery, and feel comfortable and attractive returning to work with their new breast contours. The scars are an afterthought, they conceal in dim light and makeup, and these women continue to be successful in their endeavors.
