how long before scar tissue goes away comletely.

[danielb0101]

Just wanted to see from people who did the surgery, how long before you are 100% healed. i know that this differs from person to person but there should still be a time period for most. The reason im asking is because i did the surgery in july 2011 and till now im looking worst than before i did it 8 months ago. i was flat right after the surgery for about 1 month than it started to look worst and worst. I was assured it would go away but after 8 months i'm worried now.

[masked_1]

im really sorry to hear that... being one month post op that worries me. im really swollen right now. i will say that even swollen i still look better then pre op however when i get really swole i cant help to think that i look the same as before even though i know its probably not as bad as i think. i hope it gets better for you man.

[Paa_Paw]

As I was thinking how to answer you, I looked at a scar on my finger caused by an injury when I was a child. I am now nearing my 75th birthday.

The scar tissue will gradually soften and flatten out but it will never completely go away. There are injections that can help to break it down.

If one of the Doctors does not reply in a short time you might try posting your question directly to them. (See the index)

[Dr. Elliot Jacobs]

Paa_Paw is, as always, right on.

Scar tissue is the normal way in which the body heals after surgery -- and it will be there for your lifetime.  Sometimes it is minimal and the chest looks fantastic.  And sometimes the body produces an excessive amount of scar tissue, which can mar the result of an otherwise well performed operation.  Neither the patient nor the surgeon have any control of how your body makes scar tissue after the operation.

Sometimes, if there is growth of scar tissue beneath the nipples, it normally occurs within 4-12 weeks after surgery.  A smooth flat contour after surgery suddenly develops enlarged and sometimes tender nipples.  This is scar tissue -- not re-growth of breast tissue.  It is most often treated with massage and sometimes a cortisone injection is needed.  Very rarely (at least in my hands) is a second operation required because one can still make more scar tissue after a second procedure.

Dr Jacobs