Breast augmentation is a cosmetic procedure that enhances your breast shape and appearance. The resulting scar is often less than 2 inches and easily concealable. Breast lift and reduction procedures lift the nipple position and remove excess skin. The resulting scars are often called “anchor” pattern or Wise pattern scars- around the nipple, down the bottom of the breast and along the fold. While you may be able to manage the appearance of your scars, factors such as your genetics and skin type could influence how they look.
Scar management is crucial with any breast surgery procedure. To ensure the best possible result from your breast surgery, you need to properly care for your scars once your incisions have healed. Read on to learn more about breast scar management in Nashville.
The breast surgery recovery process varies depending on the procedure performed. The scars from a breast augmentation, mastopexy or reduction should be healed within 1-2 weeks but will take one year to fully mature. While your scars may appear worse initially during your recovery period, they will soften and fade over time. Common types of scars following breast surgery in Nashville include:
Although no scar disappears entirely, regular fine-line scars are visible scars that may itch a few months after surgery and leave a visible line that fades and flattens over time.
A keloid scar is one that extends beyond the borders of the initial incision. Genetic predisposition may play a role in keloid scar occurrence. These scars have an abnormal abundance of Type I collagen and may cause symptoms of pain and itching. Options for improvement may include scar revision or steroid injection.
Hypertrophic scars are less likely to have a genetic disposition and may occur due to increased wound tension. These scars are raised and thick, but do not extend beyond the borders of the incision. There is an abnormal abundance of Type III collagen within a hypertrophic scar.
Our knowledgeable surgeon Dr. Olivia MaDan can help you understand what type of scarring you might expect based on your skin type, history, and age. She will educate you on scar after-care to help you achieve the best possible result.
No, breast surgery scars never disappear completely after your procedure, but some may be thin and light, appearing almost invisible. Physiologic and surgical factors play a critical role in determining the appearance of your scars after your surgery.
You should choose an experienced surgeon who understands your physiologic factors and can minimize the appearance of scarring after your procedure. Several scar management options may also help you reduce the appearance of scarring following a breast operation in Nashville.
While all surgical procedures result in scarring, they generally fade and flatten over time. Here are some breast surgery scar management options we recommended to our Nashville patients to decrease visibility of scars:
Following your surgeon’s post-operative instructions is an important step to ensure proper healing and minimize the appearance of scarring. At Plastic Surgery Affiliates, Dr. MaDan provides comprehensive post-operative care for all breast surgery patients to optimize scar appearance and outcome.
Silicone scar strips may help reduce the thickness of your scars, minimizing their visibility over time. For the greatest effect, the sheeting/strips must be worn at all times. Dr. MaDan may advise when you should begin applying bandages, silicone sheeting, gel, or cream to your scars.
If you have large or visible scars, Dr. MaDan specializes in scar repair. She offers dermabrasion, microneedling, scar revision and steroid injections to help improve the appearance of scars after your procedure.
Scars will take one full year to mature and begin the process of fading. Time and topical scar therapy can be an effective way of managing your scars following surgery.
Wearing a supportive garment daily helps manage your breast scars by reducing swelling. The pressure applied to a scar, through massage or bandage/garment, will help the collagen fibers within the scar reorganize and flatten over time.
Breast augmentation, lift, or reduction surgery may result in permanent scarring. Significant, visible scarring can negatively affect how you feel about your breast surgery results. Scar management is vital to help you to achieve the best possible results from your procedure.
It is important to choose a qualified plastic surgeon, follow the appropriate scar management steps, and use preventive techniques to help reduce visible scarring. At Plastic Surgery Affiliates, Dr. Olivia MaDan can assist with breast scar management in Nashville. Contact us to learn more or request a consultation today.
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