When a patient comes in for a consultation asking about breast reduction at my Tampa practice, they are often concerned about the postoperative scars that will result. Although there’s no way to make an incision on the skin and not leave a scar, I do take steps to minimize scarring for both breast lift and breast reduction patients.
Alternative Techniques
Many patients dread the infamous “anchor scar” which so often marks patients who’ve had a breast lift. Thankfully, there are newer techniques for breast reduction that minimize the length of the incision that’s needed.
When incisions can be hidden within the darker pigmented skin of the areola around the nipple, and placed within the natural crease under the breast, scarring is very minimal. Sometimes liposuction can also be used to assist breast reduction, without the need for additional incisions.
Another factor that affects scarring is the amount of tension that is placed on the incision after the surgery. More tension can cause the scar to heal wider. This is something I take every precaution to avoid. Each procedure is customized to the individual patient, and that includes taking the potential for scarring into effect.
The Healing Process
Although a breast lift or reduction cannot be performed with zero scarring, rest assured that every effort is made to reduce the potential for overt scarring. It’s also important to remember that, despite the prevalence of the anchor scar, breast reduction still has one of the highest patient satisfaction rates of any surgery. In the end, patients feel the results themselves are far more important than any resulting scar.
Dr. Joseph J. Castellano is a native Floridian who grew up in the Tampa Bay area. During medical school and his 5 years of training in General Surgery, Dr. Castellano developed a strong interest in Cosmetic Surgery. He followed his residency training with an elective year of specialized training with the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. From 2010-2011, he completed a fellowship in Indiana focused entirely of cosmetic surgery of the face and body. During his fellowship, he received specialized training in facial rejuvenation, breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, and body contouring. Dr. Castellano received his board certification from the American College of Surgeons in 2010.
Dr. Castellano focuses on breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, liposuction, facelift, and eyelid rejuvenation. Additionally, he operates on numerous skin cancers, scar revisions, spider veins, and specializes in the management of aging skin with chemical peels and laser resurfacing.
Request a consultation to meet with Dr. Castellano and learn more about all his practice has to offer.
