Worried About Breast Surgery Scars? Here’s What to Do

Posted August 30, 2023 in Breast

3 Minute Read:

If you’re considering cosmetic breast surgery — breast lift, breast reduction, or breast augmentation — you’re likely eager to enhance your body. And while this is an exciting time, it’s also important that you have all the information you need before embarking on this life-changing journey. 

For many, one of the most significant concerns is potential scarring. 

Every surgical procedure will create some scarring — it’s the simple truth. However, there are things you can do as a patient to minimize the visibility of scarring.

Breast Surgeries and Their Specific Scars

Breast Augmentation Scars

Breast augmentation surgery has the lowest risk of visible scarring due to the nature of the procedure. Since your board-certified plastic surgeon is not removing or maneuvering excess tissue, it does not require lengthy incisions. 

The breast implant is placed either above or below the muscle, and your surgeon will utilize one of three incision types: 

• Inframammary (in the breast crease beneath the breasts)

These incisions are easily hidden by clothing, bras, or bathing suits and are barely noticeable. Even the inframammary incision usually only extends one to two inches.

Breast Lift Surgery Scars

Breast lift surgery can significantly enhance the look of drooping breasts by removing excess skin and lifting the underlying tissue. This procedure will have more extensive scarring than breast augmentation, especially depending on the amount of sagging that needs to be addressed; however, these incisions can still be hidden with bras and bathing suits. 

• Periareolar lift: Incision encircles the areola. This is ideal for mild ptosis (sagging). 
• Anchor Lift: Incision runs around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease, and across the inframammary fold.

Breast Reduction Surgery Scars

Breast reduction surgery reduces the size and weight of the breasts, reshaping and lifting for more proportionate and appealingly shaped breasts. Like the breast lift, breast reduction will create more scarring than breast augmentation. 

• Keyhole or racquet-shaped incision: The incision runs around the areola and extends vertically down to the breast crease.
• Inverted-T or anchor-shaped incision: The incision goes around the areola, down the lower pole of the breast vertically, and under the breast line horizontally. 

Breast Surgery Scarring Do’s and Don’ts

DO

• Use topical scar treatments, such as Vitamin E oil or Bio Oil, to soften scar tissue.
• Massage the area to break up scar tissue once healed.
• Be patient — most scars will fade over time. 

DON’T 

• Expose your scars to the sun without sunscreen. This can increase pigmentation.
• Ignore your surgeon’s post-operative instructions, especially movement restrictions. Excess tension and strain on the incision site can cause the incision to split and widen, so be very careful of your surgical site, even if you’re feeling better.
• Smoke. Nicotine use can constrict the blood vessels and slow healing. 

Everyone’s skin is different, and healing times will vary. If you know you’re prone to scarring, be sure to discuss this with your plastic surgeon. Scarring is a natural part of the process, but you can minimize risk with proper aftercare and a skilled surgeon.

Interested in Breast Surgeries in Birmingham, AL?

If you are interested in cosmetic breast surgeries, such as a breast lift, breast reduction, or breast augmentation, contact Cohn Plastic Surgery today to schedule your consultation. Call us at (205) 590-9900 or fill out our online contact form. We look forward to hearing from you.