Breast Augmentation Scars and How to Minimize Them
Posted September 02, 2020 in Breast Augmentation
Many women who are interested in breast enhancement are worried about breast augmentation scars. While scars are unavoidable with any major surgery, careful techniques help ensure that scars are hidden and inconspicuous. With time, scars from breast augmentation usually heal naturally and fade away until they are hardly noticeable.
Types of Breast Augmentation Incisions
The length and location of breast augmentation scars depends on the type of surgical incision used for your procedure.
Inframammary Incision
The inframammary incision is the most common incision location for breast augmentation. This incision is placed just above the breast crease on the underside of the breast. Because it is under the breast, the incision scar is hidden in the breast’s natural fold and can easily be covered by clothing.
With the inframammary incision, you will have the most freedom of choice regarding your breast implants. Even large silicone implants can be accommodated. Still, the incision is usually longer, which means the resulting scar will be longer than with other techniques (although it is strategically placed to minimize it). Ultimately, this technique is usually the most recommended way to achieve the best aesthetic results with hidden breast augmentation scars.
Transaxillary Incision
The transaxillary incision is placed in the underarm. While this completely eliminates scarring on or near the breast, it is a complicated procedure, and your choice of breast implants is significantly limited. It is also much more difficult to ensure good results. Additionally, if the implants ever need to be removed or replaced, additional incisions may ultimately be necessary. Dr. Taleisnik does not recommend this incision for breast augmentation patients.
Periareolar Incision
The periareolar incision is another common incision location for breast augmentation. This incision is placed along the bottom half of the areola, which is the dark circle of skin that surrounds the nipple. Any scarring typically blends into the edge of the areola.
Because of the periareolar incision location, scarring blends well with the darker skin and is nicely hidden. However, your choice of implants is limited due to the smaller incision size. You will likely have to get saline implants, which can be filled after insertion into the breast.
How to Minimize Breast Augmentation Scars
The first step to minimize breast augmentation scars is in choosing the technique that best meets your needs. Beyond that, the following is recommended:
- Choose the right surgeon: Not surprisingly, patients tend to be happiest with their resulting appearance and scarring when they select an experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon. Choose wisely, and you can expect the best possible experience.
- Follow postoperative instructions: Doing just what the doctor ordered makes a significant difference in how your body heals. Follow the instructions given to you, and be careful not to overdo it, and you can help reduce your scarring.
- Minimize sun exposure: Sun exposure can significantly darken new scar tissue. It is best to minimize sun exposure to the scar site for at least 3 to 6 months after surgery.
- Avoid smoking: Smoking decreases circulation, which is essential for healthy scar formation. Avoid smoking to ensure better circulation.
- Follow doctor-recommended exercise plan: Appropriate exercise an important part of healing, but doing the wrong types of exercises (especially too soon after surgery) can lead to complications. Follow your doctor’s recommendations for exercise after breast augmentation surgery.
- Eat a healthy diet: Essential vitamins and nutrients from your food and drink are critical for minimizing breast enhancement scars. Eat healthy and stay hydrated to help your body heal best.
- Use postoperative patches or creams: Your breast augmentation surgeon can recommend silicone gel patches or creams to help reduce scarring after breast augmentation. Use these as instructed to help reduce breast implant scars.
To learn more about breast augmentation scars and how to minimize them, request a free consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Andrés Taleisnik. Call (657) 294-8375 or contact us online today.
