Scarless Breast Reduction

find out everything you need to know about scarless breast reduction surgery.

A scarless breast reduction is a minimally invasive procedure that reduces the size and weight of the breasts without leaving any visible scars. Unlike traditional breast reduction surgery, which involves large incisions and the removal of excess tissue, scarless breast reduction uses advanced liposuction techniques to remove fat and glandular tissue through tiny incisions. This results in a more natural-looking breast shape and a quicker recovery time with minimal scarring. It is an excellent option for women who want to reduce the size of their breasts without the appearance of visible scars.

Procedure

The only scar you’ll have will be around the areola and straight down from it to the breast fold (in the shape of a lollipop). You won’t have any incision that extends horizontally in the breast fold.

There are currently several techniques to reduce the size of a woman’s breasts, and each has its benefits and drawbacks. However, we have found that a Vertical Breast Reduction is by far the most simplified and least invasive for women who want to decrease the size of their breasts by several cup sizes. In the study, Vertical Breast Reduction, it was found that this technique can not only reduce your breast size but also reshape your breasts so that they have a more aesthetically pleasing contour that is marked by better fullness and projection. The study also found that you’ll most likely experience a high satisfaction rate with your results. It’s a reduction and lift in one surgical procedure, without extensive bleeding, scarring, or downtime.

Ideal Candidate

Breast reduction is one of the most rewarding cosmetic procedures performed at our state-of-the-art surgical facility. The treatment decreases your breast size so that you can enjoy a more balanced and youthful body contour. You can also be free of the pain or discomfort that you once had to live with because of your large and heavy breasts. However, before you decide on breast reduction, there are some things that you should consider. Dr. Gartner will ask you about the following to determine if you’re a suitable candidate:

Your health: Breast reduction is designed for women who are generally healthy, both physically and psychologically. Some medical conditions, such as cancer and severe obesity, may make the surgery unsafe for you. You should also have realistic expectations of your surgery–it’s all about improvement, not perfection.

You are not pregnant or breastfeeding: You should not be pregnant or breastfeeding at the time of your surgery. If you are, please wait after six months or so after either before considering the surgery.

You are considering the surgery because you are unhappy with the size of your breasts, and/or are experiencing related health issues due to their size.

If you are considering scarless breast reduction, your breasts are primarily composed of fatty tissue. You should also understand that this technique will reduce your breast size by a couple of cup sizes. For a more drastic reduction or if your breasts have a lot of glandular tissue, then the vertical breast reduction technique would be more suitable for you.

If you are bothered by the size of your breasts and wish to reduce their size, but are hesitant to undergo traditional breast reduction surgery with scarring, then you may be a candidate for a scarless breast reduction. This procedure is ideal for women who are looking for a less invasive alternative to traditional breast reduction surgery and who have moderate breast size and good skin elasticity. However, it is important to schedule a consultation with Dr. Gartner who can evaluate your individual needs and determine if scarless breast reduction is the right option for you.

Risks

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

You’ll most likely feel some discomfort following your surgery, as well as see some swelling and bruising. These will all go away as you progress with your recovery. Any discomfort you feel can be adequately addressed with prescribed pain medication.

If general anesthesia has been administered, you may feel nauseous.

EXCESSIVE BLEEDING AND HEMATOMA

The risk of developing this complication is increased if you take medications or supplements that thin the blood, such as Aspirin and St. John’s Wort. Hematomas may need to be drained or surgically removed.

CHANGES IN NIPPLE SENSATION

You may experience an increase or decrease in nipple sensation after surgery. Numbness is caused by damage to the nerves. While this is temporary, it can be permanent as well.

DELAYED WOUND HEALING

Some patients may have a lengthier recovery period. This is particularly true for patients who have diabetes or do not stop smoking for the advised period before and after their surgery. Delayed wound healing may also lead to necrosis.

IRREGULAR SCARRING

Every incision made during your surgery will develop into a scar, and when properly healed this scar should become faint and thin within a year or so. Sometimes, scars may become hypertrophic (keloid). Usually, the risk of developing hypertrophic scars is higher in patients who have a history of irregular scarring. Improper incision care, infection, and tanning may also lead to more prominent scars.

UNDESIRABLE RESULTS

In rare cases, patients are disappointed with their results due to under or over-correction. Results may also be asymmetric. That’s why Dr. Gartner talks to you at length before your surgery about what you’d like to achieve so he can better make what you envision a reality. Dr. Gartner is spends a great deal of time talking to you about the results you want and the most suitable implants to achieve them during your pre-surgery consultation process. For this reason, you will most likely get beautiful, natural-looking results, much like what his patients generally get.

SCARLESS BREAST REDUCTION

Scarless breast reduction is by far the most simplified and least invasive treatment for you that is designed to decrease the size of your breasts and lift them at the same time, all without extensive scarring or the risks and side effects associated with general anesthesia. The only scars you’ll have will be located under each of your breasts, in the breast fold (inframammary).

*Each scar will measure about 5mm*, which is about half the size of a green pea, and will be well hidden in the natural crease of the breast fold. Traditional breast reduction techniques result in scars that can be several inches long, typically extending from the areola down to the breast fold, then horizontally in the fold—but fortunately, you won’t have that! Your scars will be practically invisible and take about a week to heal.

You have the choice of local or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of your ptosis. If you choose local, you won’t feel any of the risks or side effects that general anesthesia has, such as nausea/vomiting and the fear of not waking up. Your recovery will be faster, too, so you can have surgery on Thursday, and then get back to your desk job on Monday! You may also start working out in about two weeks.

Your ability to breastfeed after surgery won’t be as compromised as it would with traditional breast reduction. Our technique is not as traumatic to your breast tissues and your milk ducts because only fat is removed to reduce the size of your breasts, not any other tissues. The majority of your breast structure remains intact so you’ll have smaller breasts with the same shape.

You won’t need drains after surgery. Traditional breast reduction often involves the placement of drains upon completion of surgery. These drains help prevent the accumulation of fluids, although they can be quite uncomfortable for the patient while in place. Further the risk of infection in increased. However, our scarless breast reduction technique does not require the placement of drains. All you have to do is wear a bra for about four months after surgery to help reduce any swelling that may occur. Your bra will also help your skin retract, reducing the risk of sagging.

Scarless breast reduction can also make your breasts appear perkier by affecting nipple positioning. Depending on the amount of reduction, *your nipple can rise by two to six inches*

Recovery

Once you’ve had your breast reduction surgery, you’ll probably be able to notice an immediate improvement in your breast size. However, you won’t be able to see the optimal results of your surgery until a few months down the road, as you’ll need some time to recover. Follow Dr. Gartner’s post-surgery care instructions. Wait a few months for optimal results to appear. If you have any questions or concerns about your recovery, Dr. Gartner and our friendly medical staff will be happy to help you.

THE FIRST STAGE OF YOUR RECOVERY

After your breast reduction surgery, your breasts will be covered by an elastic bandage or a surgical bra over gauze dressings. A small tube may be placed in your breast(s) to allow for fluids and blood to drain, so that they won’t get trapped under the skin and lead to excess swelling. These drains may be kept in place for the first day or two after your surgery, then will be removed by Dr. Gartner.

It’s common to experience swelling, bruising and some mild discomfort for a week or more, however, you probably won’t need pain medication. If you do, just let Dr. Gartner know so he can prescribe you something. Your bandages will be removed a day or two after surgery, though you’ll need to continue wearing your surgical bra day and night for several weeks until the swelling and bruising subside. Doing so provides the support your breasts need while you recover and compresses them to minimize swelling. Fortunately, you won’t need to have your stitches removed because they will dissolve over time.

HOW YOU’LL LOOK WHILE YOU RECOVER

Your breasts may look larger than you’d like after your surgery. This is primarily due to swelling, which will subside in the weeks and months after your procedure.

KEEPING CLEAN

You’ll be able to take a shower the day after your surgery. Use mild soap on the incisions as well, and wash thoroughly without rubbing the area. Gently pat dry. This will help the incisions remain clean and reduce the risk of infection. Baths cannot be taken until about two weeks after your surgery. This is also to minimize the risk of infection.

WHEN YOU CAN GO BACK TO WORK

Most patients return to desk work in about seven to ten days, although it could be sooner especially if you have had a scarless breast reduction (in fact, you may be able to return to work in about 4 days or so!).

WHEN YOU CAN GET BACK TO THE GYM

Strenuous exercise can be resumed in about two weeks if you’ve had a scarless breast reduction, or four weeks if you’ve had a vertical breast reduction. Please start slowly and gradually increase intensity.

YOUR RESULTS

Breast reduction is beneficial in three ways:

By following Dr. Gartner’s care instructions, you’ll be able to enjoy your results permanently. To maintain your results, follow a healthy diet and exercise regimen.

YOUR SURGERY

Your breast reduction surgery will be performed at Gartner Plastic Surgery, our state-of-the-art surgical facility that is fully accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF).

The surgical techniques applied during your surgery depend on the type of breast reduction.

After your surgery is completed, you’ll be taken to the recovery room, where you’ll be cared for by your dedicated team of nurses. Dr. Gartner will also monitor you during this time. Once you’re ready, a trusted friend or relative will take you home and help you for the next 24 hours. As you complete the rest of your recovery, you’ll have regularly scheduled appointments with Dr. Gartner so that he can continue to monitor your recovery and make sure you’re doing well.

SCARLESS BREAST REDUCTION

This method involves liposuction of the breast to reduce its size. Interestingly, the elasticity of the skin does shrink and raises the nipple to a higher position. In most cases it will not reduce the size of the breasts as much as other methods, nor will it raise the nipple position as high, but for the patient who wants to have smaller breasts without scars, it has a high satisfaction rate. Recovery and healing are faster, with far less scarring.

Anesthesia is administered: You will receive pre-emptive anesthesia right before your surgery begins. This helps prepare your body for surgery and improves your recovery rate. When you start your surgery, local anesthesia is then administered. Having it done locally means that you’ll be awake through the entire procedure but won’t feel any pain or discomfort.

This method involves liposuction of the breast to reduce its size. A tiny incision, measuring just 5mm or so, is placed in the breastfold, within in the natural crease. A micro cannula is then used to gently suction out the desired amount of unwanted fat to decrease the breast size.

The incision is closed with sutures and dressed, marking the end of your surgery.

VERTICAL BREAST REDUCTION (SHORT SCAR TECHNIQUE)

This technique is suitable for patients who want a more drastic reduction in breast size. It gives more upper pole fullness. Compared to the standard inverted T incision of more traditional breast reduction surgery, vertical breast reduction does not leave the long horizontal scar under the breast which means less scarring and faster recovery.

Anesthesia is administered: You will receive pre-emptive anesthesia right before your surgery begins. This helps prepare your body for surgery and improves your recovery rate. When you start your surgery, general anesthesia is then administered.

A lollipop incision is created that encircles the areola and extends downward to the base of the breast (in the inframammary fold). This technique gives more upper pole fullness and does not leave the long horizontal scar under the breast caused by the standard inverted T incision. Dr. Gartner uses this technique for moderate–to- large-sized breasts. Because there is less scarring, and healing, and recovery time is less.

Excess tissue is removed. The size of the areola may also be reduced if necessary.

The remaining tissue is repositioned to achieve a firmer and aesthetically pleasing shape.

The incisions are sutured and dressed.

Surgery Preparation

Do the following things now to make your recovery period easier:

The success of your surgery depends a lot on what you do before your surgery. You need to prepare your body to make your experience a safer one and to make your recovery easier. Dr. Gartner will give you pre-surgery guidelines to follow. Here are some things that may be included:

The day before surgery, take a shower with antibacterial soap. Wash your hair. Do not eat or drink anything eight hours before your surgery.

Consultation

For your consultation about breast reduction, you’ll talk to Dr. Gartner, a Double Board Certified plastic surgeon and general surgeon. This medical consultation is a private discussion between you and Dr. Gartner, although you are welcome to bring a trusted relative or friend if you prefer. At the end of the consultation, you’ll be able to decide if breast reduction is suitable to achieve your goals, and if Dr. Gartner is the right surgeon for you. 

ABOUT THE SURGERY

Dr. Gartner has been performing breast reduction surgery for several years. As a result, he has extensive medical knowledge of the procedure that you can access during your consultation. Some questions you may want to ask include which surgical techniques he can perform, what type of anesthesia is administered, and how long your surgery will take. You can also talk about how the recovery period will be for you. Because your safety is paramount, you’ll also find out about the risks and complications related to breast reduction. This way, you can see whether the benefits of the procedure outweigh the risks.

YOUR BREAST REDUCTION CONSULTATION WILL GIVE YOU

The vital information you need about the surgery, An idea of which breast reduction technique is most suitable for you, Additional options that may help you achieve your goals, Information about Dr. Gartner, your surgeon, and An overview of your surgical facility.

YOUR OPTIONS

You may find that breast reduction alone won’t achieve your expectations. For this reason, Dr. Gartner will provide you with all of your available options on how to recontour your breasts so that they look the way you want them to.

YOUR MEDICAL HISTORY AND CURRENT CONDITION

Some medical conditions make breast reduction surgery riskier, which is why you’ll have to talk about your medical history and current condition.

ABOUT DR. GARTNER

The success of your surgery depends greatly on the experience of your surgeon. For this reason, you should find out about Dr. Gartner’s education, experience, and professional reputation. You can ask him about his experience in breast reduction, his training, and if he has any hospital privileges. You may also want to see some before and after photos.

ABOUT OUR SURGICAL FACILITY

It’s crucial for your safety that your surgery is performed in an accredited and well-maintained facility. We encourage you to ask questions about our facility and medical staff. Dr. Gartner will also provide you with pricing and payment information.

Benefits

YOU CAN EXPECT

YOU’LL EXPERIENCE

A less invasive procedure than traditional breast reduction, has A higher nipple position, and The ability to see your results far sooner than other breast reduction and lift methods.

Enjoy daily activities and sports without pain or strain.

WHAT MAKES YOUR BREAST REDUCTION AT GARTNER PLASTIC SURGERY UNIQUE

You’ll receive pre-emptive anesthesia. Pre-emptive anesthesia has been found to prevent hypersensitivity to discomfort and pain following your surgery, according to the study, New Concepts in Pain Therapy: Preemptive Analgesia[1]. Because you won’t be so sensitive to any resulting pain, this allows you to have an easier recovery period.

Dissolvable sutures are used so you won’t have to come back to get them removed. They’ll just dissolve naturally in the days and weeks following your surgery, leaving your incisions sealed.