Scars tell stories, but when it comes to breast augmentation scars, many women prefer their story to remain private — and understandably so.
The good news is that with the right approach and proper pre-operative preparation and post-operative care, you can significantly minimize the appearance of your breast augmentation scars.
Below are recommendations to patients after their breast augmentation surgery for scar minimization.
Types of Incisions
The type of incision used during your breast augmentation procedure can significantly impact the visibility and location of your scars. Understanding the various breast augmentation incision types, including inframammary, periareolar, transaxillary, and umbilical, can help you make an informed decision about your procedure.
Each incision type has its pros and cons. For instance, the inframammary fold scar resulting from an incision under the breast crease, offers excellent visibility for the plastic surgeon and tends to heal well, but may be more noticeable when lying down.
Fat transfer breast augmentation scars are typically less noticeable than traditional implant scars.
The periareolar scar, which results from an incision around the nipple, can be well-hidden but may potentially interfere with breastfeeding.
The transaxillary scar, located in the armpit, leaves no visible mark on the breast itself but can make precise implant placement more challenging for the plastic surgeon.
Your plastic surgeon will recommend the best option based on your body type, implant choice, and desired outcome.
Ready to embark on your next plastic surgery venture or have a question about scarring before your appointment? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Adrian Lo for personalized advice on preparing for your procedure.
Pre-Surgery Preparations
The better shape you’re in, the smoother the process will be. Pre-surgery preparations can significantly impact healing and scarring. It’s not just about showing up on the day of surgery; it’s about setting your body up for success weeks in advance.
Let’s look at two key areas of pre-surgery preparation that play a significant role in minimizing breast augmentation scars.
Quit Smoking
Smoking constricts blood vessels, reducing blood flow and oxygen to healing tissues. This can lead to slower healing, increased risk of infection, and more noticeable scars.
Most plastic surgeons recommend quitting at two to four weeks before surgery and continuing to abstain for at least two to four weeks after.
Optimize Your Nutrition
Key nutrients for optimal healing include protein, vitamin C, vitamin A and zinc. Protein is essential for tissue repair, while vitamin C is crucial for collagen production. Vitamin A supports the immune system and zinc aids in cell growth and division.
So, load up on foods rich in these nutrients. Think lean meats, fish, eggs, and legumes for protein. Citrus fruits, berries, and leafy greens for vitamin C. Sweet potatoes and carrots for vitamin A. Nuts, seeds, and whole grains for zinc.
While a balanced diet is usually sufficient, some plastic surgeons may recommend supplements. However, always consult with your plastic surgeon before starting any new supplements, as some can interfere with healing or increase bleeding risk.
Post-Surgery Care for Proper Scar Healing After Breast Augmentation Surgery
The surgery might be over, but your journey to minimal scarring is just beginning. Proper post-surgery care is crucial for minimizing scars. The first few weeks after surgery is when your body is working overtime to heal, and this is when your incision begins to heal.
Follow Your Surgeon’s Instructions
Your plastic surgeon’s post-op instructions will be tailored to your individual needs and circumstances, taking into account factors like your overall health, the specifics of your surgery, and your lifestyle.
Common post-op instructions might include:
- Wearing a special surgical bra
- Avoiding certain sleeping positions
- Restrictions on lifting or exercise
Each of these plays a role in supporting proper healing and minimizing scar formation.
If any instructions are unclear, don’t hesitate to ask questions. Your Philadelphia plastic surgery team at Dr. Adrian Lo is here to support you — we’d much rather clarify something than have you guess and potentially compromise your results.
Keep Incisions Clean and Dry
Keeping your incision sites clean is crucial for preventing infection, which can lead to more noticeable scarring. Your plastic surgeon will provide specific instructions on how to clean the area, but generally, gentle cleansing with mild soap and water is recommended.
In the first few days after surgery, you’ll likely need to avoid showering and opt for sponge baths instead. When you do start showering again, be extra gentle around your incisions. Pat the area dry with a clean towel — don’t rub, as this can irritate the healing skin.
Meticulous Care of Incision
Be as gentle as possible when changing dressings or cleaning the area. If you need to change dressings, follow your plastic surgeon’s instructions carefully to avoid disturbing the healing incision.
Keep an eye out for signs of infection or complications. These might include increased redness, warmth, swelling, or discharge from the incision site. If you notice any of these signs, or if you develop a fever, contact your plastic surgeon immediately. Early intervention can prevent more serious complications and more noticeable scarring.
Scar Management Techniques
Often, a combination of techniques yields the best results. Consistency is key in scar management. Whatever techniques you choose, stick with them. Scars continue to mature for up to 18 months after surgery, so patience and persistence are crucial.
Silicone Sheets and Gels
Silicone products work by hydrating the scar tissue and regulating collagen production, resulting in flatter, less noticeable scars.
Silicone comes in various forms, including sheets, strips, and gels. Sheets are typically worn for about 12 hours a day, while gels are applied twice daily. Treatment usually continues for at least 3 months but can be used for up to a year for optimal results.
Massage and Compression
Scar massage, if recommended, can help break down scar tissue and improve the appearance of scars. Gentle massage of the scar area can begin once your incisions have fully healed, typically around 6 weeks post-surgery.
Use your fingertips to apply gentle pressure and move in circular motions on areas of scar tissue. Do this for a few minutes, several times a day. Be gentle — you’re not trying to cause pain or discomfort. Compression garments, like special post-surgical bras, can also help minimize scarring by applying consistent pressure to the healing area. Your plastic surgeon will advise on how long to wear these, but it’s typically for several weeks to months after surgery.
Use of Scar Products
There are numerous over-the-counter scar products available, from creams to oils to gels. Many contain ingredients like vitamin E, onion extract, or allantoin, which are believed to help improve scar appearance.
Always apply with clean hands to avoid introducing bacteria to the healing area. Follow the product instructions carefully, and be patient — it can take several months to see results.
Results can vary widely with these products. What works wonders for one person might have little effect on another. If you’re not seeing results after a few months, consider trying a different product or technique.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy can be a powerful tool in minimizing the appearance of scars. It works by stimulating collagen production and breaking down excess scar tissue.
There are different types of laser treatments available, including fractional lasers, pulsed dye lasers, and CO2 lasers. The best option depends on your specific scar and skin type.
Laser therapy typically begins several months after surgery, once the scars have matured. Multiple treatments are usually needed, spaced several weeks apart. While generally safe, potential side effects can include temporary redness, swelling, or changes in skin pigmentation.
Microneedling
Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that involves creating tiny punctures in the skin with very fine needles. This stimulates the body’s natural healing process, promoting collagen production and improving scar appearance.
Like laser therapy, microneedling is typically started several months after surgery. A series of treatments is usually recommended, often spaced about a month apart. Results are gradual, with improvements continuing for several months after treatment.
While generally safe, potential risks include temporary redness, swelling, and in rare cases, infection. Always ensure microneedling is performed by a trained professional in a sterile environment.
Consult on Your Breast Augmentation Scar with Dr. Adrian Lo!
While these tips can significantly help minimize scarring, sometimes professional intervention is needed for optimal results, including advanced techniques like scarless breast implants.
Every scar and every patient is unique. What works for one person may not be the best approach for another. As an award-winning plastic surgeon, Dr. Lo’s expertise allows him to assess your individual case and recommend the most effective strategies for minimizing scarring for your breast augmentation procedure.
Whether you’re planning a breast augmentation, or looking to revise existing scars, schedule a consultation with Dr. Lo today and start your journey towards your dream results — because your confidence is worth it!