Scar Be Gone

It would be nice if scar-free surgery was possible, but so far it is not. A well-placed scar that is treated properly following breast augmentation should fade very nicely if a few post-surgery tricks are followed.

Now that surgeons know that there is good data that shows placing implants through the armpit or nipple results in much higher rates of implant capsular contracture and revisionary surgery, they should counsel their patients that the incision should be placed in the fold underneath the breast. The incision is less than two inches in length and in most patients, fades beautifully. Genetics plays a larger role in how the scar looks than the surgeon’s technical skill, however surgical experience is key in scar placement.

Incisions should be closed in layers deep to the skin to decrease tension on the scar and avoid track marks on the skin surface. Excessively large implants can put stretch on the scar and cause excessive widening. I use topical surgical glue on the skin after closure to further seal the incision. Two weeks post-operatively, I have my patients use a topical botanical cream that has been shown to fade the pinkness in scars more quickly than Mother Nature. I also have them wear a clear sticky band-aid made of medical grade silicone that has been shown to minimize the chance of scar thickening. This is worn twelve hours a day. These products are used for three months post-operatively. Tanning the scar is a no-no, especially for the first year. Sun block and bathing suit coverage is best to avoid excessive darkening of the scar.

With this regimen, the scar associated with breast augmentation is well worth the beautiful results that can be obtained. Don’t let a small well-conceived scar stand in the way of the breasts you really want.

Categorized in: Breast Augmentation