breast cyst removal -- scarring?

[futurenurseheather]

hello all OR nurses! i am about to have a cyst in my left breast removed and i was just wondering -- where will the scarring be? i had an ovarian cyst removed last March and they told me that were going through my belly button and would have a tiny scar, barely even visible...but guess what i get!! a four-inch long, 2 inch wide bright pink scar right below my belly button...i was just wondering if i could get a few opinions, advice, expertise, etc on the matter. just basically -- where do most surgeons cut when removing breast cysts?

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

Totally depends on where the cyst is. I've seen incisions on just about every part of the breast for cyst removal. Also, people scar differently. My sister can have a four inch long 1 cm deep laceration and have almost no scar within 2 months. I get a cat scratch, and it scars like you wouldn't believe. I've actually been accused of being a cutter because of the way I scar from everything. These are questions you should really be discussing with your surgeon.

[canesdukegirl, BSN, RN]

Yes, it does depend on where it is. Your surgeon should have told you where the cyst is located...for example, I also had a lumpectomy and it was at the 4 o'clock position. I had minimal scarring. I asked for Steristrips and fluffs for my dressing.

Good luck to you!

[futurenurseheather]

well, if you are looking at my breast, the cyst is about two inches to the right of my nipple about the 3 o'clock position towards my armpit. if i ask for steristrips and fluffs (could u please explain what those are? lol) will it lessen the risk of scarring?

[sirI, MSN, APRN, NP]

These are all questions you need to pose to your surgeon. We cannot offer the medical advice you require.

Good luck with the surgery and hope all goes well.