Tips to Reduce Scars after Breast Augmentation Surgery
Breast augmentation involves using implants or fat transfer to increase the size of your breasts. This procedure can also be used to correct breast asymmetry. However, as with any surgical procedure, breast augmentation comes with its share of potential complications. One of these complications is the formation of breast augmentation scars.
You might be considering breast augmentation for various personal reasons. Perhaps you desire a fuller, more symmetrical bust line, or maybe you’re looking to restore volume lost after pregnancy or weight loss. Regardless of your reasons, it’s crucial to understand the possible after-effects of this procedure, particularly the appearance of breast augmentation scars.
Understanding these scars, their causes, how to minimise them, and when to seek professional help can assist you in making an informed decision about breast augmentation.
In this blog, Sydney Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Jake Lim aims to offer you comprehensive information about breast augmentation scars and provide practical tips for scar reduction and healing.
Dr Lim’s 2024 Breast Surgery Guide
Breast Augmentation Scars
Scars are a natural part of the body’s healing process. After a surgical procedure like breast augmentation, your body works to repair the surgical wound. As a part of this process, breast augmentation scars form. They are a typical and expected outcome of the surgery.
The appearance of these scars can vary widely among individuals. Factors such as your age, genetics, and skin colour can influence how noticeable your scars become. For some people, breast augmentation scars may be thin, flat, and barely noticeable. For others, they may be thicker and more visible.
It’s important to note that while scars are a natural part of the healing process, their appearance can be minimised. Many strategies and treatments can help reduce the visibility of breast augmentation scars, ranging from preventative measures taken immediately after surgery to treatments applied once the scars have fully formed.
Causes of Scars after Breast Implants Surgery
Several factors can contribute to the formation and appearance of scars after breast implants surgery. One of the main causes is the body’s natural healing response to surgical incisions. When your body repairs a wound, it produces collagen, a protein that forms the basis of scar tissue.
The type of incision used during your breast augmentation surgery also plays a significant role in scar formation. There are four main types of incisions: inframammary (under the breast), periareolar (around the nipple), transaxillary (in the armpit), and transumbilical (through the navel). Each type of incision leaves a different type of scar, which can vary in size and visibility.
Another significant factor in scar formation is the way your body heals. Everyone heals differently, and some people may be more prone to developing prominent scars due to their genetic makeup or skin type.
How to Minimise Scars after Breast Augmentation
There are various ways to minimise scars after breast augmentation. Immediate post-operative care is critical in reducing scar formation. This includes keeping the incision site clean and dry, avoiding strenuous activities that could strain the incision, and following your surgeon’s aftercare instructions.
In addition to these basic steps, scar minimisation products and therapies can be employed. Silicone sheets and gels have been proven effective in reducing the appearance of scars. These products work by creating a protective barrier over the scar, which helps to maintain hydration and accelerate healing.
Additionally, massage therapy can be beneficial in minimising scars. Massaging your scars can help to break down scar tissue and improve blood circulation to the area, promoting faster healing. However, ensure you have your surgeon’s approval before starting any scar massage therapy.
Scar Reduction Options for Breast Augmentation Scars
If you have noticeable breast augmentation scars that bother you, several scar reduction options are available. These range from topical treatments to more invasive procedures.
Topical treatments like silicone gel or sheets and vitamin E oil can help reduce the appearance of scars. These treatments work best on fresh scars but can also improve the appearance of older, more established scars.
In-office treatments, such as laser therapy, can also be effective in reducing the appearance of breast augmentation scars. Laser therapy works by breaking down scar tissue and stimulating the body’s natural healing processes.
Finally, surgical scar revision is an option for those with particularly troublesome scars. This procedure involves removing the old scar and re-closing the wound in a manner that will likely produce a less noticeable scar. However, this is usually considered a last resort due to the invasive nature of the procedure.
Natural Remedies for Reducing Breast Augmentation Scars
Apart from medical treatments, natural remedies can help reduce the appearance of breast augmentation scars. These remedies can be an excellent alternative for those who prefer a more holistic approach to scar management.
One popular natural remedy is the use of essential oils. Oils such as lavender, tea tree, and helichrysum have properties that can facilitate wound healing and reduce scarring. Applying these oils to your scars regularly can help minimise their appearance. Please check with you surgeon first before using these oils.
Another effective natural remedy is aloe vera. This plant is known for its potent healing properties and can be applied topically to scars to promote healing and reduce visibility.
Maintaining a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals can support your body’s natural healing processes and contribute to scar reduction. Foods rich in vitamin C, for instance, can aid in collagen production, which is crucial in wound healing and scar formation.
Prevention Tips for Scars after Breast Implants Surgery
While it’s impossible to prevent scars visibility completely after breast implants surgery, you can take steps to ensure your scars heal as well as possible and are less noticeable.
Choosing a qualified, experienced plastic surgeon can make a significant difference in the appearance of your scars. A skilled plastic surgeon will make precise incisions and use meticulous suturing techniques, which can result in less noticeable scarring.
Taking care of your overall health can also play a part in preventing noticeable scars. Good nutrition, regular exercise, and adequate rest can all support your body’s healing process and minimise scar formation.
Protecting your scars from the sun is crucial. Sun exposure can darken scars and make them more noticeable. Therefore, it’s essential to apply sunblock to your scars whenever they are exposed to the sun.
When to Seek Professional Help for Breast Augmentation Scars
While it’s standard to have some scarring after breast augmentation, you should seek professional help if your scars are excessively painful, itchy, or red, as this could indicate an infection or other complications.
If your scars don’t seem to be healing well, it may be time to consult a professional. Your plastic surgeon can provide you with a variety of treatment options to reduce the appearance of your scars.
While breast augmentation scars are a common outcome of the surgery, there are many ways to manage them effectively. Be sure to discuss any concerns you have about scarring with your plastic surgeon, who can provide guidance based on their experience and your individual circumstances.
FAQs about Breast Augmentation Scars
What factors influence the appearance of breast augmentation scars?
- Different factors can influence the appearance of scars after breast augmentation, including the individual’s age, skin type, genetics, the surgical technique used, post-operative care, and exposure to external factors like sunlight.
Is it normal for breast augmentation scars to be itchy or painful?
- It’s not uncommon for scars to feel itchy or slightly painful during the healing process. This sensation is usually temporary and diminishes as the scar matures. However, if the discomfort persists or is severe, it’s essential to consult with your plastic surgeon.
Can the position I sleep in affect my scars?
- Yes, sleeping on your stomach or sides immediately after surgery can put pressure on the incisions, potentially affecting the healing process and the appearance of scars. It’s recommended to sleep on your back and keep the upper body slightly elevated for the initial weeks post-surgery to minimise tension on the wounds.
How can I differentiate between normal scar healing and a complication?
- While some redness, swelling, and discomfort are expected during the initial healing phase, signs like excessive pain, warmth, yellowish discharge, widening of the scar, or persistent redness might indicate complications like an infection or hypertrophic scarring.
Do certain skin types or colours scar differently after breast augmentation?
- Yes, individuals with darker skin tones are sometimes more prone to developing hyperpigmented (darker) or keloid scars, which are raised and can grow beyond the original wound. Conversely, those with lighter skin might experience scars that are more reddish or pale than their natural skin tone. However, individual responses can vary, and not everyone will experience these types of scarring.
Is it safe to use makeup to cover breast augmentation scars?
- Once the incisions have fully healed, it’s generally safe to use makeup to conceal the scars. It’s essential to choose good quality products to prevent skin breakouts and ensure the makeup is thoroughly removed at the end of the day. If the scar is still in the healing phase, it’s best to consult with the plastic surgeon before applying any products.
How does smoking affect the healing of breast augmentation scars?
- Smoking restricts blood flow, which can hinder the healing process and potentially lead to more prominent scarring. It can also increase the risk of complications post-surgery. Dr Lim recommends quitting smoking several weeks before and after the procedure to ensure optimal healing and minimal scarring.
Further Reading about Breast Surgery with Dr Jake Lim
- Read Dr Jake Lim’s Breast Implant Options Page
- Read Dr Jake Lim’s Blog about Factors to Consider When Choosing the Bra after Breast Augmentation
- Read Dr Jake Lim’s Blog about How to Choose the Right Breast Implant Shape
- Read Dr Jake Lim’s Blog about Recovery after Breast Augmentation Surgery
- Read Dr Jake Lim’s Blog about Breast Augmentation Surgery Page
- Read Dr Jake Lim’s Blog about What I Wish I’d Known Before I Had Breast Augmentation Surgery
- Read Dr Jake Lim’s Blog about What Do Plastic Surgery Scars Look Like?
Medical References about Breast Augmentation Scars
- Breast augmentation – Mayo Clinic
- Breast Augmentation – ASPS
- Breast Augmentation – StatPearls
