Breast Surgery In African American Women

One of the most rapidly growing cosmetic surgery populations is within the African-American community. African-American women often seek breast reduction and breast augmentation surgeries. A frequent concern is the fear of heavy scarring. These may take the form of a keloid or a hypertrophic scar. These terms are used interchangeably, but they represent separate physiologic processes.

Keloid scars represent a genetically inherited disorder in which scars heal with an extremely robust response. The classical definition of a keloid scar is a scar grows outside of the original confines of the wound or incision. True keloids are rare and are difficult to treat. Some keloids respond to steroid injections. Other treatment options include surgery excision and reclosure and radiation. Keloids are common on the ears, neck, and over the breastbone, and less common on the surface of the breasts. If you develop true keloids, Dr. Zemmel believes that you are probably not a candidate for a cosmetic operation.

Hypertrophic scars are a normal outcome in some patients, and reflect a vigorous physiologic response to healing. The classical definition of a hypertrophic scar is a thickened, raised scar limited to the area of original injury. These scars typically develop on the shoulders, knees, and central breastbone areas. Many factors influence the production of hypertrophic scars. They include a patient’s genetic makeup, the tightness of the surgical incision, and the location on the body.