Managing Breast Augmentation Scars | Sieber Plastic Surgery

Scarring is an inevitable result of any surgical procedure, including breast augmentation surgery. Still, with the right approach and diligent aftercare, the impact of breast implant scarring can be minimized.

Below, we will delve into various aspects of scarring related to breast augmentation surgery, including typical breast implant scars location areas, overall scar appearance, a general healing timeline, and available treatments.

Table of Contents

Varieties of Scars from Breast Implants

The scars left behind after breast augmentation surgery are influenced by the procedure type, the chosen breast augmentation incisions approach, and the surgical technique employed by your surgeon. While every patient’s post-surgical scarring is unique, there are common scar types associated with specific types of incision placements.

Inframammary Incision

The inframammary fold, located right beneath the breast where the breast meets the chest wall, is a commonly used location for breast implant surgery incisions due to the discreet scar placement.

Inframammary incisions are popular in breast augmentation procedures due to their inconspicuous location. Moreover, these incisions typically have a minimal impact on nipple sensation and breastfeeding ducts, making them a preferred choice among breast implant surgeons.

Periareolar Incision

A periareolar incision encircles the nipple’s perimeter, blending into the surrounding tissue. While this is a common breast implant incision technique, it may affect some milk ducts, potentially leading to breastfeeding issues. Additionally, there could be some loss of nipple sensation.

The benefit of a periareolar incision lies in its suitability for straightforward removal or replacement surgery using the same incision site. Additionally, it provides optimal access for precise breast implant placement.

Lollipop or Anchor Incisions

When combining breast lift with implant surgery or breast reduction, the incision placement can involve either the lollipop or anchor techniques. Both of these incisions can impact milk ducts and lead to reduced nipple and breast sensation.

The lollipop incision is made around the areola and extends down the center of the breast’s front, below the nipple. This approach allows reshaping of the breast and proper nipple positioning. The anchor incision is similar to the lollipop incision, but at the base of the incision, it extends to resemble an anchor as it branches to the left and right along the inframammary fold.

Transaxillary Incision

A transaxillary incision, placed within the armpit crease, results in a hidden scar in the armpit region. While this incision type effectively conceals scars, it doesn’t provide the highest level of precision access for breast implant placement.

Scar Appearance and Healing Timeline

Immediately after surgery, the breast implant scars left by the incisions may appear raised and have a red hue. However, as time progresses, these scars undergo a remarkable transformation. They gradually flatten and fade, taking on a color slightly paler than your natural skin tone.

The visibility of scars varies based on skin tone. Those with paler skin might have scars that look more pronounced initially, and this will subsequently diminish. Individuals with darker skin may have less noticeable initial scars that become more prominent once healed.

As a general guideline, scars tend to flatten and change color from red to pink within 2–3 months. Full healing is expected between 6 to 12 months, leaving you with thin, faint scars.

Scar Management: Do’s and Don’ts:

Breast Implants Scars Do’s

Effective breast augmentation scars management plays a pivotal role in promoting optimal healing. Silicone sheets and bandages have the potential to minimize scar thickness.

For optimal outcomes, it’s recommended to apply silicone bandages, sheets, gel, or cream to the affected area on a daily basis. Another option to consider is cortisone cream, which can potentially soften scars, leading to a reduction in their overall size. Regular application maintains scar moisture and pliability, facilitating the scar healing process.

Another beneficial step is to treat scars is scar massage using circular motions several times a day, each session lasting about 10 minutes. This massage technique aids in breaking down excess collagen accumulation, leading to flatter scar positioning on the skin. As always, consult with your board certified plastic surgeon for specifics related to your procedure.

Breast Implant Scars Don’ts

Avoiding certain practices is equally crucial to ensuring your implant scars heal optimally. Sun exposure should be minimized, and if unavoidable, sunscreen application is essential.

Aggressive scrubbing around the surgical site, raising your arms above shoulder level for the initial weeks post-surgery, lifting heavy objects exceeding 5 pounds for the first 4 weeks, and scratching at healing surgical incisions are all to be avoided.

Surprisingly, applying vitamin E cream can worsen scar appearance, so it’s best to steer clear of it. Moreover, refraining from smoking a month prior to the procedure and until complete scar healing is advised due to its potential to impede the healing process. As always, consult with your surgeon for specifics related to your procedure.

Breast Augmentation Scars Treatment Options

Although it’s rare, there might be instances where patients express dissatisfaction with scar appearance a year after their surgery. In such cases, scar revision is an option. This procedure involves creating an incision over the scar, removing excess scar tissue, and carefully suturing the wound for a less noticeable outcome.

For cases involving irregular scar contours, scar revision may not be feasible, and that’s where laser resurfacing comes into play. Laser treatments are also effective in addressing hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation around the scar area.

Questions and Answers

Do all breast augmentation procedures leave scars?

Just like any surgical procedure, the presence of boob job scars is unavoidable. Plastic surgeons must create minor incisions to place the saline implants or silicone implants within the breast pocket.

However, the options for incision placement vary by surgeon and are based on factors like the types of breast implants, breast implant size, and material.

Do breast implant scars go away?

The process of scarring is a natural part of healing and may require some patience to observe enhancements. It can take six months to a year for breast augmentation scars to reach their ultimate appearance.

Despite adhering to all these suggestions, it’s important to recognize that a degree of scar tissue is inevitable even after complete breast augmentation procedure recovery.

How long can breast implants last?

The majority of silicone and saline implants hold FDA approval for a span of 10-20 years. However, it’s essential to understand that this time frame doesn’t mandate replacement every 10-20 years.

It’s safe to extend beyond these limits, as many patients typically undergo only 1-2 replacements throughout their lifetime.

Where does breast implant surgery leave scars?

The most common inframammary incision occurs in the fold or breast crease.

What causes breast implant scars to occur?

Breast augmentation scars occur due to the process of making an incision on the skin. An incision involves cutting with a surgical knife, and it’s inevitable to leave some form of mark when surgically incising the body.

Are breast implant scars still red?

Every individual and situation is unique, but generally, the breast implant scars resulting from breast augmentation tend to exhibit a redness and raised texture for about 12 months.

These scars will gradually diminish and enhance over this duration, with a useful guideline being the 12-month mark.

Book your Breast Augmentation Surgery Consultation

The journey to minimized scarring after breast augmentation surgery involves various considerations. The location of scars and the healing timeline are important factors.

Equally vital is proper scar management, which encompasses the use of specialized creams and massage techniques, along with avoiding detrimental practices. In cases of dissatisfaction, the availability of scar revision and laser treatments ensures that optimal results are achievable.

Sieber Plastic Surgery is dedicated to providing beautiful results while ensuring your comfort throughout both the implant surgery and recovery time for breast implants.

If you have further questions about your surgical procedure or need personalized aftercare guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Your journey to enhanced confidence is our priority.