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Scarring is a common concern many people have when undergoing surgery. Breast augmentation surgery is no different, especially when many women undergoing a breast enhancement are seeking natural-looking results. The reality is, scarring will happen with any surgery. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to prevent and minimize visible scarring, especially with the help of a board-certified plastic surgeon.

Incision Locations & Implant Types Affect Scarring

There are three types of incisions used during breast augmentation surgery. The incision type that you choose is the first way you can minimize breast augmentation scarring since some will be more easily visible than others. Inframammary incisions are made on the underside of the breast, where the breast meets the ribcage. These are easily concealed by bras and bikini tops. They are often hidden by the breast itself if you have a deep inframammary fold. Periareolar incisions are smaller incisions made along the lower edge of the areola. The natural transition in skin texture and color helps make scarring more subtle. Transaxillary incisions are the smallest and do not leave any scarring on the actual breast because they are made in the underarm area. However, this incision can make implant placement more difficult than the other incision types.

Implant type also affects the size and visibility of initial scarring after surgery. Many women opt for saline implants over silicone. This is because the saline implant can be filled after it has been inserted and placed, allowing your plastic surgeon to use to a smaller incision.

Aftercare Steps to Minimize Scarring

It can take up to a year and a half after surgery for your scars to finish healing. However, some things can be done to help minimize their appearance during the healing process:

• Avoid smoking for the weeks leading up to and following surgery.
• Avoiding sun damage is also crucial in minimizing the appearance of scars. Stay out of the sun when possible and always wear sunscreen when leaving the house.
• Proper nutrition and hydration will help promote healing and can help reduce the appearance of scarring.
• Follow your plastic surgeon’s physical activity guidelines after the procedure to avoid issues like tearing or reopening incisions.

Additional Scar Treatments Are Available

Once your incisions have fully healed, there are options to further reduce the appearance of breast augmentation scarring. Breast massage during recovery helps prevent excessive internal scarring, which in turn helps to diminish the appearance of external scars. Vitamin E is also helpful in reducing the appearance of scars. Both oral supplements and topical vitamin E oils and creams can be beneficial. Cortisone creams can also be applied to reduce the appearance of breast augmentation scars. Silicone sheets are another form of popular and effective scar treatment appropriate for diminishing breast augmentation scars during your initial recovery.

If these options don’t produce the results you’d like, laser resurfacing or other professional skincare treatments may be an option for you.

Schedule a Consultation

Whether you’re considering breast augmentation or looking to reduce scarring from a previous procedure, Dr. Leland Deane makes sure you feel and look like the best version of yourself. Please contact us online or call to schedule a consultation.