Are you thinking about undergoing a breast augmentation? If so, you likely have a lot of questions regarding this plastic surgery procedure and about the possibilities of scarring from breast augmentation surgery.
While encountering a breast augmentation scar is mostly inevitable, there are plenty of ways to ensure it heals properly. Below, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about breast implant scars, including how to minimize them as much as possible as you heal from your breast augmentation surgery.
Will My Breast Augmentation Leave a Scar?
Of course, the truth is that you will have some minimal breast augmentation scars post-procedure. However, there are several factors that will determine the ultimate appearance of those scars, including how skilled you surgeon is.
Understanding Breast Augmentation Scarring
The first thing you need to understand is that since this procedure is a surgery, a breast implant incision will be made in the breast skin, and the healing process will cause the tissue to form into a scar. However, your skilled surgeon is trained to effectively minimize the appearance of breast implant scars post-surgery.
The next thing breast augmentation patients need to understand is that the type of breast implant scar you end up with depends on the type of breast implant surgery procedure you have done. Therefore, you can expect some variability regarding how your breast implant scar will ultimately look.
The last thing you need to know is that for most women, breast implant scars will take up to two years to heal completely. How the scarring looks in the process of healing will depend on your natural skin tone — among several other factors, such as breast implant surgery incisions.
There are four common types of breast augmentation incisions your surgeon will discuss with you:
Inframammary Incision
An inframammary incision is among the most common breast augmentation incision types. They occur in the inframammary fold, which is located in the breast crease where the bottom of your breast meets your chest wall.
Due to its location, the inframammary fold incision is the most popular place to make breast implant surgery incisions as it’s naturally hidden. It also has no effect on other essential components of the breast, such as the milk ducts or nipples. Because of this, the breast surgery won’t affect nipple sensation. You will also still be able to breastfeed if you have children.
Periareolar Incision
A periareolar incision is made around the entire nipple or part of the nipple. This surgical site allows the scarring to blend in well with the breast tissue of the surrounding area. This breast augmentation incision also allows for a more precise implant placement.
With periareolar incisions, some milk ducts may become disrupted, making breastfeeding difficult or impossible. The risk of losing nipple sensation is also higher due to the nature of the incision site.
Lollipop or Anchor Incision
Lollipop or anchor incisions are typically made for those undergoing a breast lift procedure. Breast lifts involve reshaping the breast tissue and repositioning the nipples.
For breast lifts, plastic surgeons have to make incisions around the areola and down the center of the lower half of the breasts. This incision site is what’s referred to as a lollipop incision. When plastic surgeons have also to make an incision in the breast crease (inframammary fold) it’s referred to as an anchor incision.
Lollipop incisions are typically made on moderately sized breasts, while anchor incisions are made on larger breasts.
Transaxillary Incision
A transaxillary incision is a type of breast implant incision that is made in the armpit crease. Because of the placement of transaxiliary incisions, they don’t leave atypical implant scars on the breasts.
Transaxillary incisions are used for women who opt for saline implants, as their fill level must be adjusted after breast implant placement. The placement of the implant is also slightly more difficult with these types of breast augmentation incisions.
What Effects Breast Scar Appearance?
Surgical incisions will play the biggest role in whether your breast augmentation scars are barely noticeable or very noticeable. However, there are a few other factors to be aware of when it comes to the full extent of your scars.
These factors include:
- The plastic surgeon. Good breast implant surgeons will utilize the proper techniques when making incisions and regarding breast implant placement. That’s why it’s so important to ensure you choose a board certified surgeon who has plenty of experience and positive testimonials.
- Your skin type. Your skin type will play a substantial role in what the scars from your implants look like. According to a study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, if your natural skin tone is darker, scarring will be more obvious.
- Your ability to heal. Your body’s ability to heal will determine how quickly your scar fades. While it takes most women up to two years for their breast implant scars to fade until they’re barely noticeable, some women may take less time.
- How well you follow your aftercare instructions. Your surgeon will provide you with specific aftercare instructions after your breast augmentation procedure. How well you keep up with these instructions will also determine how much your scars fade.
How Can I Minimize My Breast Augmentation Scars
How Can I Minimize My Breast Augmentation ScarsAs mentioned above, your surgeon will provide you with specific instructions for taking care of yourself after the procedure. Following these instructions to the letter is the single most important thing you can do to ensure that you heal without complications or infections and reduce the appearance of your implant scars. Your surgeon will likely also tell you the best ways to treat scars.
Aside from following these instructions, the best ways to minimize your implant scars include:
Staying Out of the Sun
New scar tissue doesn’t have the same protection against sun exposure as the rest of your skin. If you go out in the sun or use tanning beds after your breast lift, it’s more than likely that you’ll end up with sunburned scarring which will only make the scars darker.
So, stay out of the sun during recovery and be sure to use a high SPF post-recovery until your scars have sufficiently faded.
Quitting Your Nicotine Habit
Smoking cigarettes reduces your body’s overall blood flow, which affects your ability to fight off infections. Blood flow is important when it comes to healing scar tissue as well as decreasing your risk of complications after surgery.
So, be sure to avoid smoking several weeks before and after your breast augmentation. If possible, it’s best to quit altogether.
Maintaining a Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy diet that’s full of vitamins, minerals, protein, and other nutrients will ensure your body gets everything it needs to create new tissue and heal. This will significantly affect the appearance of your breast implant scars down the road, as well as your ability to gain enough strength to support your new breast implants.
In preparation for your surgical procedure it’s a good idea to prepare healthy foods and snacks to aid in your recovery.
Staying Hydrated
Drinking lots of water will ensure that your skin maintains the right amount of elasticity while promoting healing. It’ll also help flush out your system post-surgery, helping you rid your body of any anesthetic and other associated toxins.
Using Silicone Sheets
Medical grade silicone is a well-regarded topical product that helps to soften and reduce the appearance of scars. The same goes for vitamin E oil and Mederma cream.
However, you want to wait until the incisions are fully healed before applying these products. Afterward, apply them consistently for the best results.
Massaging the Area
By gently massaging the incision area (once healed), you’ll stimulate blood flow and circulation. This will help soften your excess scar tissue and improve the overall appearance.
Breast Augmentation Scar FAQs
What is the best scar cream for breast augmentation?
There are several scar creams on the market that can be used to treat scars from different surgeries like breast augmentation, breast reduction, or a breast lift. Some women swear by Mederma, while others reach for Scarguard MD. Your plastic surgeon can recommend the best brands out there for you.
How long will it take my breast implant scar to fully heal?
The rate at which breast implant scars heal depends on the person. Generally speaking, you can expect your scar to flatten and fade from red to pink within three months. After 6-12 months, they should be completely healed. For some, it can take up to two years.
Do breast implant scars ever go away?
While your breast implant scars will completely heal, they’ll technically never go away. However, after about a year, they will be incredibly faint and thin, so you won’t even know they’re there.
How can I remove scars from breast implants of breast reduction surgery?
There are many ways for removing excess scar tissue or diminishing its visibility following plastic surgery. Those common ways include laser treatments, steroid injections, microneedling, and sometimes surgical revision.
Schedule Your Consultation Today!
If you’re thinking about having a breast enhancement surgery done, board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Dahlia Rice and her expert team will provide you with the customized care you deserve.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation to discuss your body goals and learn everything you need to know about this surgical procedure.