Breast Augmentation Scars: What to Expect
Many women have breasts that are naturally small or underdeveloped. Smaller breasts may leave women wishing for a curvier or more feminine figure. Breast augmentation enhances the size and shape of the breasts to give patients more pleasing and proportionate body contours. Through breast augmentation, plastic surgeon Suzanne Yee is able to give patients the enhancement they desire while maintaining their natural appearance.
One common concern among our Little Rock, AR, patients is breast augmentation scars. While scarring is unavoidable after surgery, breast augmentation scars can be very discreet. Here we prepare patients for what to expect from breast augmentation scars, including their location and their appearance as they heal.
Scar Location
The location of breast augmentation scars is completely dependent on the type of incision that is used during surgery. There are several breast augmentation techniques that may be offered to patients. The most common breast augmentation incisions are the inframammary incision and the periareolar incision, though some surgeons also offer the transaxillary incision and the transumbilical incision.
- Inframammary incision - This is a horizontal incision that sits at the base of the chest wall, just beneath the crease of the breast. This incision is often favored because it provides easy access and visibility for implant placement, and the resulting scar can be concealed by the breast fold.
- Periareolar incision - This crescent-shaped incision is placed along the outer edge of the areola. This incision also allows easy access for implant placement. While the resulting scar will be directly on the surface of the breast, it usually blends in nicely with the pigmentation of the areola, making it very discreet.
- Transaxillary incision - This incision is made in the armpit above the breast, which means the resulting scar is under the arm, instead of directly on the breast. While that is a benefit, it is important to consider that this incision limits surgical control and visibility.
- Transumbilical incision - This incision is made in the belly button, which prevents scarring on the breasts. However, this technique is rarely offered, due to placement and implant limitations.
How Dark Will My Scars Be?
When our Little Rock patients are considering breast augmentation incisions, they often want to know how dark their scars will be. Understanding what scars may look like once they have healed can impact which surgical technique the patient prefers.
It is impossible for us to say exactly what breast augmentation scars will look like, because everyone heals differently. Scar appearance is affected by a number of factors, including skin pigmentation, skin thickness, and surgical aftercare.
In most cases, scars start off looking red and raised in appearance. However, as the scar continues to heal (which can take up to 18 months), it should lighten in color and begin to flatten out.
Caring For Surgical Scars
There are steps that our Little Rock patients can take to promote healing and minimize scarring after breast augmentation. We suggest these aftercare tips:
- Carefully follow all post-surgical care instructions
- Avoid sun exposure while healing from surgery
- Refrain from smoking in the weeks after surgery
- Eat a diet that is rich in vitamins and nutrients
- Avoid strenuous physical activity while incisions heal
- Consider the use of a topical scar cream or silicone sheeting
Contact Our Office
Dr. Suzanne Yee would be happy to answer any additional questions you may have about breast augmentation, the recovery process, or surgical scars. To get in touch, send us a message online at your earliest convenience, or call us at (501) 222-8758.