Will My Collar Bones Become Less Pronounced After Shoulder Reduction Surgery?

Q:Dr. Eppley, This shoulder reduction result caught my attention because the patient had pronounced collarbones before surgery, which I find very similar to mine. After the clavicle reduction, her collarbones seem less visible. Will they become prominent again after recovery? I’m interested in narrowing my shoulders but would like to maintain the visible collarbones. Thank you for any clarification!

A:The reason many postop patients appear to have less clavicle show is due to swelling as the pictures are taken early after surgery.  In reality the reverse is more accurate as the risk of increased clavicle show due to the location of the fixation hardware is a more pertinent one. (or least it will not be less)

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon