mastectomy scar

Mastectomy scars are scars obtained from patients who underwent mastectomy, the surgical removal of both or one breasts, either partially or completely. There are several approaches to mastectomy, so scars can manifest in different ways; however, there are two forms of scars that are common:

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Scars from the simple, or "total", type of mastectomy involves the entire removal of one or more breast, often seen with breast cancer procedures. This removes the nipple as well as the breast tissue, and often leaves large, stripe-looking scar(s) upon the chest.

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Scars from the subcutaneous, or "nipple-sparing", type of mastectomy involves removal of the breast tissue while leaving the nipples and areola intact. This is often the most used for patients wanting to avoid very noticeable scars, as the procedure minimizes chest wall scars and often leaves hard to notice, very thin infra-areolar (under the areola) scars. This scarring is often seen in individuals who have undergone gender changing surgery.