What To Expect With Breast Augmentation Scars: Ever Wondered How Scars Change Over Time
When it comes to breast augmentation surgery and breast implants, many women are concerned about the potential scarring that may occur. Scarring is an inevitable part of any surgical procedure, and while some scars can be minimized with proper techniques, there’s no guarantee that they won’t become visible over time.
Dr. Philipp Franck, MD, Plastic Surgeon in New York City, wants to provide his patients with all the information they need to make an informed decision about breast implants and breast augmentation. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at what you can expect when it comes to your scars after undergoing breast augmentation surgery.
First of all, it’s important to know that your surgeon will do everything possible to minimize the appearance of any scars during and after surgery. There are many techniques available for scar management and Dr. Franck is experienced in working with these methods. There is a difference between the scars on the skin and breast implant scars which often refer to the capsule or scar tissue that forms inside. Generally speaking, incisions are made around the areola or under the breast fold, which helps them blend in more easily with surrounding skin tissue.
What is scar tissue?
Scar tissue is the body’s normal response to any type of wound, and it develops over time as the skin heals. It is made up of collagen fibers that can be raised and form thicker bands than surrounding skin. This will usually make a scar appear more pronounced or noticeable. During this time the skin hasn't reached it's full strength and sutures support the healing by taking the tension off the incision. That's the reason why sutures in multiple layers are so important for a good scar development. As the sutures dissolve and the scar slowly softens the appearance will improve. Fortunately, with proper care and management, this type of scarring can often be minimized or even reduced over time. It’s important to understand that scars take time to heal completely and may change in appearance during various stages of healing. For instance, redness and swelling are common during the first few weeks post-surgery but should gradually subside as healing progresses.
The four stages of wound healing?
The stages of wound healing are divided into four distinct phases.
The first phase is the inflammatory stage and this occurs immediately after surgery. During this time, your body begins to repair the damaged tissue by sending immune cells called macrophages to clean up the area and release chemicals that help fight infection.
The second phase is known as the proliferative stage. During this phase, new cells and collagen are created to form a new layer of skin over the wound area.
The third phase is called remodeling, during which scar tissue gradually becomes stronger and more organized.
The fourth and final phase is known as maturation. In this stage, the newly formed skin stabilizes and the color of the scar begins to fade. This is typically when patients notice that their scars have faded significantly.
Breast Implant Scars can have different locations
Breast implant scars depend on the location and technique chosen by your surgeon. The two most common incisions for breast implant surgery are periareolar (around the areola) or the inframammary incision along the lower breast fold. Alternatives, but less common are the transaxillary incision, where the surgeon chooses to place implants through the axilla. Transaxillary incisions are much less common in plastic surgery because it often limits the surgeon to use saline implants. Dr. Franck prefers to place the incision along the inframammary fold or breast crease. Because it falls into a natural shadow of the breast, the inframammary incision often becomes indiscernible. In some cases breast implants are combined wth a breast lift which will change the incision pattern. While the incision for placement of an implant can be very small, in order to achieve a proper breast lift the incisions are often larger in order to achieve the desired pull and shape of the skin. Breast lifts come with different incisions techniques which we will cover in a different article. However the healing process and scar appearance applies to all incisions.
How important are sutures in breast augmentation scars?
Sutures are an important part of the scar healing process. Sutures come in different sizes and materials. In general, the larger the suture the more strength it provides, but it might also cause more of a scar burden on the body. By finding the right balance between strong sutures where they are needed and finer sutures for more delicate structures, your surgeon can achieve optimal results. By taking the tension off the incision, sutures help to make sure that your scar heals in a neat, organized pattern. Dr. Franck recommends using multiple layers of sutures to ensure that your scars heal properly and remain as small and discreet as possible. Immediately after breast implant surgery the tight pull of the sutures will lead to a slightly raised incision. However, as the skin stretches over the next days and weeks, the incision will flatten. In addition, once the sutures have dissolved and the scar tissue has softened, it is important to use creams or ointments to help reduce redness and keep your skin hydrated. This can help prevent scarring that may be more visible in the future.
It’s important to understand that everyone heals differently, so the amount of time it takes for your scars to heal will vary based on many factors, including age, genetics, and lifestyle. With proper care and attention, you can work towards achieving optimal scar results from breast augmentation surgery.
How do scar management techniques affect post-operative care?
Scar management techniques such as laser therapy, silicone gels and sheets, steroid injections, and topical creams can all help to reduce scar tissue and improve the appearance. Additionally, Dr. Franck will provide you with a detailed post-operative care plan including specific instructions. In general we recommend starting silicone sheets about three weeks after surgery. Silicone sheets are very easy to maintain and can work with all surgical scars. In areas where sheets are harder to place, you can alternatively use silicone-containing cremes. Some silicone-containing products also contain SPF which is especially useful in areas that are exposed to direct sunlight.
How does silicone help improve scar appearance?
Silicone is a well-known ingredient that is used in many scar management products to help minimize scar visibility. It works by providing a protective barrier over the skin, which helps retain moisture and minimize itching, redness, and discomfort. Silicone sheets can also provide a cushioning effect for newly formed scars to help soften them and encourage smoother skin texture. Additionally, silicone has been shown to help reduce the discoloration of scars and decrease collagen production in the area, resulting in an overall improvement of appearance.
Another culprit for scar formation can be pressure, so avoid underwire bras
When the incision is in the breast fold, underwire bras can cause pressure in the area of the incision and create an environment conducive to scarring. This extra pressure will put tension on the skin, which can result in a widened or raised scar, whereas when no pressure is applied, the scars may look thinner and flatter. Additionally, underwire bras can reduce blood flow to the area, which is necessary for proper healing. Therefore, when recovering from a breast augmentation procedure, it’s best to avoid underwire bras and opt instead for a supportive yet comfortable bra.
What should you look out for when it comes to breast augmentation scars?
Though the majority of breast augmentation scars are expected to fade significantly over time, it is important to keep an eye out for any abnormal scarring. If you experience any symptoms such as itching, pain, redness, or swelling at the incision site, it is best to contact your surgeon's office immediately. Additionally, it is important to avoid direct sunlight, as this can cause further discoloration and make the scars more prominent. Following a strict post-operative care plan and adhering to your surgeon's instructions will help you achieve the best possible results from your breast augmentation surgery.
If you have any more questions, don't hesitate to reach out to us.
All of the above and many more are questions that can be answered by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Franck and his team during your consultation. They will provide you with the necessary information so that you can make an informed decision about your own body, lifestyle, and aesthetic goals. Every surgical procedure requires trust and commitment, therefore it is important that you get all your questions answered.
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