A breast augmentation at Westlake Plastic Surgery does not usually result in poor scarring, as the scars are generally well hidden and inconspicuous no matter where the incision was placed. A breast lift is associated with longer incisions, so with that procedure there is a possibility of more visible scarring.
A patient’s genetic makeup determines about 80 percent of the final appearance of a scar, and a scar will take up to two years to fully mature and look its best. Some patients simply heal better or worse than others. Let’s take a look at some of the most common questions about breast augmentation scars.
What Causes Poor Scarring from Breast Surgery?
Poor scarring generally results from a genetic propensity to make bad scars, inexpert surgical planning, or post-operative healing problems. The rating of scars as good or bad is quite subjective. The way one patient may feel about a scar might be totally different than the way another patient would feel about an identical scar. That’s why we always make it clear what you can expect from your breast procedure at Westlake.
How Do You Minimize Breast Scarring at Westlake Plastic Surgery?
We use proven and innovative techniques to minimize scarring before, during, and after your breast procedure. There are also several ways our patients minimize scarring after they leave Westlake. We recommend wearing a supportive bra 24/7. For best results, our patients also use silicone scar strips for 10 hours a day for four months. Finally, we remind our patients to wait two years for the scar to fully mature and look its best. When all of these recommendations are followed, our patients are generally satisfied with their results.
How Are Breast Scars Treated?
Many treatments exist for lessening the impact of breast augmentation scars. A scar revision is a procedure that surgically changes the scar. Laser, dermabrasion, and other non-invasive treatments can be performed with varying results. The use of silicone scar strips helps tremendously in scars less than six months old. Massage helps thicker scars and should be performed daily for at least an hour. Steroid injection in raised scars helps tremendously, but it needs to be injected infrequently and expertly or depression can result. Compression helps all scars.
Do You Treat Boob Job Scars?
We have helped many women improve their scars from breast lifts and other surgeries. Scar revision refers to the manipulation of a scar in order to improve its appearance. Various techniques can improve the location and appearance of a scar by better situating and camouflaging it with the contours of the breast. A complete revision of a breast lift often reshapes the breasts and makes for better scars.
Does the Benelli Lift Prevent Scars?
A special mention should be made about breast lifts performed only around the areola, also known as a Benelli lift. It may sound wonderful, but the fact is the technique is fraught with scarring problems, and the actual “lift” is usually minimal at best. The scar can spread and look unattractive. It is “sold” to patients who fear breast lift scars and believe this is the smallest-scar lift procedure offered. I do not recommend the Benelli lift.
What if My Surgeon Tells Me Poor Scarring after Breast Surgery is Normal?
Few surgeons want to admit to unsatisfactory results. I would suggest visiting another surgeon for his or her opinion. Usually, it is the unsatisfactory result of previous surgery and not the actual scar that is the problem. Perhaps the breast was lifted, but the lift wasn’t quite what you thought it would be. A breast enhancement that involves breast lifting or reduction and implants is a complex undertaking potentially associated with poor results, particularly in the hands of inexperienced surgeons. Always work with a board-certified plastic surgeon who is experienced in the procedure that you want performed.
Does Laser Scar Removal Work for Breast Scarring?
I am often asked about laser scar removal. The hope is that targeted laser treatment will remove the outer layers of skin or encourage new skin cells to repair the damaged skin. Unfortunately, lasers are not the “holy grail” of scar management. The benefits of using a laser to improve the appearance of a scar are minimal at best. Quite frankly, it’s a waste of time and money.
Will Creams or Ointments Improve Breast Scars?
Topical application of any cream or ointment is unlikely to improve scars. Silicone gel is simply not the same as silicone strips or tapes when it comes to improving scars. Don’t waste your money on creams and ointments that claim to remove scars.
What is a Bad Breast Scar? What is Normal Breast Scarring?
Your doctor will discuss what scarring to expect with your procedure. That being said, I rarely encounter raised scars after breast surgery. If I do, the scar is most likely a result of a patient’s genetic predisposition to poor scarring or the result of delayed healing after surgery. Patients usually complain of scars that are a different color, wider than usual, or more noticeable than they had planned. The majority of breast augmentations result in minimal scarring.
Do Breast Scars Make My Breasts Less Attractive?
I think we can all agree that having no breast scars is desirable. However, minimal scarring is preferable to having poorly shaped, unattractive breasts. I can assure you that attractive breasts with inconspicuous scars are a far better alternative. Men are not detail oriented when it comes to breasts. They see the big picture and not the scars. An attractive breast with scars is just fine.
What Are the Best Ways to Avoid Breast Scars?
There are two primary ways to avoid bad breast scarring. The first is to use silicone scar strips ten hours a day for four months after your procedure. There is no substitute. The second is even more important: Seek the services of an expert plastic surgeon. With a qualified and experienced surgeon, everything else will fall into place.
I have personally performed breast augmentations for thousands of satisfied women. I would love the opportunity to help you achieve the breasts that you want. Make an appointment for a free online consultation, and we’ll find the procedure that is right for you.
