By Dr. Killeen, published on July 18, 2025
What to expect from scarring after breast reduction and how scars can be improved over time.
One of the most common concerns patients have about breast reduction—or any surgical procedure—is scarring. It's important to understand that scars from surgery are permanent, though their visibility typically fades over time.
Any incision will leave a permanent scar. Despite what advertisements or certain med spas might claim, it's impossible to completely "remove" a scar once it's formed. However, it is possible to significantly improve the appearance of scars.
Immediately after surgery and for the first six weeks, surgical incisions usually look quite good. After this initial period, scars commonly become slightly thicker and more noticeable, often turning pink or reddish in color.
Over the next 1–2 years, most scars gradually fade. Ideally, they'll eventually match your surrounding skin tone, becoming significantly less noticeable.
Several treatments can speed up this healing process and enhance the appearance of scars:
Silicone Scar Gels: These topical gels help scars mature and fade more rapidly.
Laser Treatments: Effective for reducing redness, texture irregularities, and pigment issues.
Microneedling: Promotes collagen production, helping scars blend better with surrounding skin.
If scars become problematic—such as turning dark or developing noticeable pigment—additional targeted treatments are available to manage these specific issues.
Every surgical procedure involves a trade-off. For breast reduction patients, the benefit of smaller, more comfortable breasts is accompanied by permanent scarring. It's important to carefully consider this trade-off to determine if the benefits outweigh the presence of scars.
In my practice, patients consistently report high satisfaction following breast reduction or breast lift surgery. To date, none of my patients have regretted undergoing these procedures because of scars. In fact, most describe breast reduction surgery as life-changing due to the tremendous improvement in comfort, appearance, and overall quality of life.