Breast Augmentation: Q&A
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How Can I Reduce Areola Scars from Breast Augmentation?
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44 Doctor Answers |
Asked by
keseide1
in NY
+6
Top 4 tips to reduce areolar scars after breast implants
Scars will always fade with time. There are several steps after surgery to speed up the rate of improvement. Here are a list of 5 top tips for scar improvement:
Massage scars until they soften
Apply silicone sheets (available in pharmacies)
Avoid direct sun exposure and use sunscreen
Apply lightening creams
If all else fails, talk to your plastic surgeon about revising the scar. That is a relatively simple and quick procedure.
+4
Scars are Permanent
There is no way to remove scars (other than replacing them with other scars).
There are several treatments with scientific evidence that make small improvements in normal healing scars.
They include:
1. Scar massage
2. Silicone sheeting
3. Topicals like Mederma
Timing of the use of these treatments is important and using something like Mederma too early can cause wound healing problems.
Remember, it won't remove the scar but it will make them less noticeable.
For atypical scars (keloids...
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+2
Improving areola scars
Hello,
Surgical scars should heal well with a fine line scar if:
1) there is relatively little tension on the closure,
2) it is performed with good technique, and
3) there is no post op infection or other problems.
To improve your scars they can be revised if they have matured. When the revision is performed if there is likely to be tension on the closure a purse-string incision can be made and a permanent suture can be used to keep the tension off of the...
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+2
Areola Scars from Breast Augmentation
An areola incision is not my preferred incision for a breast augmentation because they can be more perceptible and they are inconsistent for healing. If you are considering an areola incision, several things should be noted. If you have large , distinct areolas then it may be easy to perform an incision around that area, but remember that the chance of nipple sensory loss is about 15% in this area versus 5-7% from an inframammary fold incision which can be hidden in the fold. Certainly, in...
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+2
Fading Scars
Scars will fade with time. Scars require 18 months to mature and get worse (at 6-9 months), before they get better (18 months).
Use scar therapy creams as recommended on the label. Scar therapy is most effective in the first 6 months after surgery.
Bleaching cream could be helpful if you are developing dark pigmentation
Avoid ANY tanning rays/ultra-violet for 6 months, after surgery
Laser treatments of scars may be a useful adjunct (ask your surgeon)...
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+2
Can't be done
Scars are permanent but do improve with time, massage, and sometimes IPL laser treatments. Occasionally, a scar revision can be done to make them look less conspicuous but scar revision is not scar removal.
+1
Nonsurgical Options Like Mechanical Massage & Topical Agents May Help; Surgical Options Like Scar Revision May Also Help
Scarring is inevitable after any surgical procedure. When breast augmentation is performed, every effort is made to hide the scars where they won’t be noticeable. Incisions are typically hidden in the armpit, beneath the fold of the breast and at the junction between the areola and the surrounding skin.
Unfortunately, in rare cases, adverse scarring can occasionally occur. This is usually due to wound healing biology and is frequently seen in patients with darker pigmentations...
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+1
How Can I Reduce Areola Scars from Breast Augmentation
Massaging the scars after the initial healing is very helpful in addition to applying Scar Gel to the wounds. Some patients do well with silicone sheeting which is available in a variety of formulations.
+1
How to Reduce Scars
I usually recommend the following to my patients:
Massage the scars with a silicone-based gel/ointment. It is the act of massaging the scar that improves the scar appearance. If your scar is red and reactive, you should apply enough firm pressure that the scar blanches when you massage it.
Taping the scars with 3M paper tape will help get the scar to a thin pale scar faster. It doesn't change the final appearance, but it will get the scar to it's final...
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+1
Reducing Scarring After Breast Augmentation
Scars will naturally fade, soften and flatten over a period of a couple months (may take up to 18 months). To speed the process:
massage the scars,
avoid direct sun exposure,
wear sunscreen, and
ask your surgeon about scar-fading creams/gels like Kelocoate, BioCorneum, or silicone sheeting.
If scars are too light or wide after a year you can consider camouflage medical tattooing.
+1
Options to improve scar healing
Scars after Breast Augmentation should heal nicely, however, there are several things I recommend to my patients to help accelerate the process of scar healing and give the best result. 1) Scar massage, back and forth in the direction of the scar using a lubricant such as Pure Vitamin E Oil, Aquaphor, etc starting 2-3 weeks after surgery, twice a day for the 1st three months. 2) Silicone patches for scars and 3) Avoid any direct sun exposure to a fresh scar for the first year after surgery.
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+1
Areolar scars for breast surgery
There are a variety of incisions used and so the scars may vary depending on th eincision. For circumareolar scars, experts disagree on the type of suturing technique to minimize these scars using materials such as prolene, gortex, polyester, wire, etc. In addition to technique, the individuals response to injury and genetic predisposition for scarring is another major factor. Other than this we advocate the use of paper tape therapy, silicone products, avoidance of sun exposure.
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+1
Breast scar
Areolar scars can be improved by Fractionated CO2 laser, if the scars are pale sun exposure can improve the pigmentation of the scar. Finally a scar revision can help at this stage because in presence of large implant often there is stretching on the wound edges causing scar thickening or widening. Once the breast settles down the scar can be revised with minimal tension on the wound and can lead to better scar formation.
+1
Dermatix scar treatment works well for breast augmentation scars.
Most breast augmentation scars heal quite nicely. Usually we have our patients massage their scars and apply a silicone gel scar ointment, for example Dermatix, twice daily for four months post procedure. Even so, it takes about 1 year before you see the scar at its best.
+1
Scars after areolar breast augmentation
Scars are rarely an issue after breast augmentation regardless of where the incisions are made. However, occasionally scars can become unsightly and a source of concern. Massaging scars can help to flatten them and make them softer. Topical treatments which contain silicone can also be helpful. In addition, silicone sheeting has been used for years to improve the appearance of scars. Infrequently, scar revision is performed...
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+1
Scars after breast augmenation
I recommend silicone gel and/or silicone scar sheets for scars that show signs of thickening or excessive prominence in the first few weeks after surgery. However, this is very uncommon with breast augmentation scars. In most patients, the scars heal very well and fade nicely with time (several months up to a year) without any additional treatment. If you do wish to use silicone gel or sheeting, there are many good products available online.
+1
Scar Repair
I have found that the best way to heal scars, old and new, is by using silicone based gel or sheeting. This product has been clinically proven to help the appearance of scars to fade. I recommend these products to all of my patients post operatively.
San Francisco Plastic Surgeon
+1
Scars after breast augmentation
Periareolar scars tend to fade with time, and depending on how long ago you had breast augmentation there may be different approaches to improve the appearance of the scars. Usually topical creams and silicone gel sheeting may be helpful, and steroid injections may be considered as well for hypertrophic scars.
+1
Scarring after Surgery
Seek out the advice and expertise of your surgeon....we use aggressive scar massage, silicone gel with SPF30, gel sheeting and laser scar management to help minimize scarring. Your surgeon is a great resource.
Dr. C
+1
Scars after breast augmentation
Unfortunately, scarring is unavoidable with any surgery. However, the quality of the scar can be controlled to some extent. Factors that contribute to more visible scarring that can be managed include: scar placement, technique of closure, and tension of closure. Periareolar scars tend to heal well due to their placement. Anytime an incision is made in a location where there is shadowing or color change, the scar tends to hide well. Technique of closure is...
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+1
Areolar scars after breast augmentation
Talk to your surgeon about scar revision, which is typically an office procedure done under local anesthesia.
+1
They can improve
All scars improve for up to 2 years.The quality of scarring depends on the skin type & to a lesser extent on the surgical technique.Conservative measures like silicon gel & pressure can help.If nothing else works,the scars can be revised under local aneasthesia.
India Plastic Surgeon
+1
What you can do to improve the appearance of your areolar scars
Scars are an interesting phenomenon in that we can close an incision the same way for two different patients and end up with two entirely different scars. The long term appearance of a scar is generally seen at around 1-2 years and is the result of several factors:
how the incision was closed
how the incision was treated during the early healing period
whether or not there was gross or low-grade infection
how you heal overall
As such, there are a few...
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+1
Scars after breast Augmentation
Most scars tend to improve over time, but there are things you can do to help minimize the appearance of your scars. Make sure to follow your surgeons instructions such as quitting smoking and applying sunscreen. This will dramatically help with the way your scars heal. Scar guard and silicone sheets can also be helpful in achieving a fine line for a scar.
+1
Areolar scars after breast augmentation
Periareolar scars typically heal quite well after breast augmentation. However, if your scar appears dark or raised you should consult with your plastic surgeon and consider using a silicone gel or silicone tape which can help lighten and flatten the scar. You should also avoid direct sunlight or tanning salons as the ultraviolet radiation can permanently darken the scars.
Please consult with a board certified plastic surgeon prior to breast augmentation surgery.
Best...
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+1
Correcting around the nipple (Periareolar) Breast Augmentation Scars
Every full thickness skin injury results in a permanent scar. However, the final appearance of the scar depends on the skill of the surgeon, the orientation, the mount of pull on the scar, the manner in which it was closed and your ethnic background. In general, the around the nipple (periareolar) scars are the most concealable, narrow and acceptable scars, in addition, to being reusable in the future for both implant exchanges, pocket alterations as well as breast lifting.
If you are...
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+1
Breast Implant Scars
The scars from a periareolar breast augmentation are typically quite acceptable. Scars take several months to mature, and during this time they may be red to pink, raised, and firm. Over time, the scars will lose color, becoming pale to whitish and usually soften. To hasten this process, you may massage of the scar (2-3 times per day for 2-3 minutes at a time) or try silicone sheeting products. Prior to any scar manipulation, be sure to see your surgeon to ensure that the scars have...
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+1
How to Reduce Areola Scars After Breast Augmentation
Anytime an incision is made, a scar will form. However, there are several ways to minimize the appearance of scars.
First, be sure to follow your surgeon's instructions before and after surgery including quitting smoking and limiting physical activity.
Secondly, the breast augmentation technique performed by your surgeon will also impact how your scar will develop. I use an advanced method which puts less pressure on the incision site to leave patients with a thinner, less...
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+1
Breast augmentation scars should not be very noticeable
The two types of incisions that I use for breast augmentation are around the areola and underneath the breast. Both types of scars require time to heal, usually a couple of months, but end up to be inconspicuous fine lines in the end that are often hardly noticeable. If your surgery was very recent, I would recommend time to allow your wounds to heal properly- you will be surprised how they improve. If you still have problematic scars more than 6 months after your procedure...
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+1
Improving breast augmentation scars
Areolar scars from breast augmentation should be hardly noticeable. In my practice I find that some of them are even hard to find when looking for them. If you only had a breast augmentation you should have fairly short scars on the lower border of your areolae. If you had a lift the scars can go all the way around.
In either case you can choose to have a scar revision. This would involve removing the scars and closing the wounds again. In most cases this heals better....
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+1
Revising scars on the areola after breast augmentation
Breast augmentation is the most popular cosmetic surgery in the United States because it gives women the opportunity to consistently change the size and shape of their breast and produce a beautiful result. There are many different incisions that can be used for this procedure. If you have received and incision around your areola and are unhappy with its appearance, there are multiple things you can do to improve this. If the concern is that the incision is too thick or in the improper...
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+1
How to reduce areola scars from breast augmentation
Most scars tend to improve over time - at least a year. Sunscreen and topical scar creams may help you while you wait. If your scars are just along the lower half of the areola, then they could be easily revised with local anesthesia in the office. Scars that go around the entire areola may be more of a problem. Your surgeon can give you the best advice after seeing your scars.
+1
Not much to reduce scars from breast augmentation although they are usually not a problem.
Scar creams don't work. If you will just leave your incisions alone, they almost always become nearly invisible over time (months). If you don't want periareolar scars, have the surgeon place the implants through an alternative approach (axilla or inframmary crease).
+1
Peri-areolar scars can be managed.
It would be helpful to have a little more information about the scars and/or a photograph. Are the scars widened, raised/thick, red, or have a starburst appearance? Generally scars can be improved. The solution depends on the problem. If they are widened, they can be surgically revised. If they are raised, they can be injected with steroids to flatten them and excised if that does not work. If they are red, they can be treated with LASER to reduce redness...
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+1
Areola scars from breast augmentation
If you have unfavorable scars after having a breast augmentation surgery, then you may be a candidate for a scar revision. This usually does better the second time around after the tissues have been stretched from the initial surgery.
+1
Scar revision can improve breast augmentation scars.
Hi.
It is very unusual to have problems with breast augmentation scars. They may improve with time. But if they don't, scars can be improved with scar revision or with various lasers.
+1
Let breast augmentation scars mature first
Hello,
Peri-areolar scars from breast augmentation tend to get better with time. I would recommend you wait a year.
If the scars are wide, a scar revision may be helpful once the scars have softened. Sun screen (once the are at least somewhat mature) can help them fade if they are pigmented.
+1
Reducing scars following breast augmentation
In my experience, the combination of laser therapy and scar guard accelrate the healing of breast augmentation scars, and help to minimize the appearance of these scars.
+1
Scars will fade, but never disappear
Keseide,
Unfortunately, scars are a necessary evil in cosmetic surgery of all sorts. Surely, this discussion took place with your operating surgeon before you underwent the procedure. The periareolar scar is generally a very good choice and usually heals almost invisibly. There are conditions such as keloid and hypertrophic scarring (both more common in skin of color) that can cause very unsightly scar formation. If this is the case, your surgeon should have suggestions for improving...
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+1
Can't be done
Hi Keseide. First of all, we would need more information from you, such as how long ago was your surgery? Did you have any wound healing problems? Did you have an infection?
Scars take a long time to "mature." Most plastic surgeons will not revise a scar until at least 3 to 6 months have passed. The options for scar IMPROVEMENT have already been listed. Incisions around the nipple usually do heal very well, but in some patients a revision is necessary. Most physicians will use a combination...
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Portland Plastic Surgeon
+1
Scars don't go away, but do improve with time.
An incision for surgery is permanent. This doesn't mean it won't fade with time and become less visible. It often takes 12-18 months for a scar to mature or improve. If the scar has discoloration or redness after this time, there are laser procedures that can improve the appearance. If the scar is thick, it can be injected with steroids to reduce the fullness.
The periareolar incision usually heals very nicely over time. The color difference between the breast skin and the nipple tends...
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+1
Scars improve with time
Keseide,
The areolar incision for breast augmentation is a good choice. In most cases, the incision can be virtually hidden in the transition from the light colored skin to the dark colored skin of the areola. Sometimes if there is too much tension from a very large implant or too much trauma from stretching during surgery (also associated with very large implants), then the scar is not ideal initially. This is due to the damage done to the skin cells at the site of the incision. The...
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+1
You Can Hide But You Can't Run (From Scars)
The peri-areolar incision is my favorite approach for Breast Augmentation, because the scar is hidden by every type of clothing. By virtue of the scar location on the border between the darker skin of the areola and the lighter skin of the breast, it is usually invisible to casual observation. Finally, the same scar can be re-used in the event that future breast surgery is required.
Nevertheless, the peri-areolar scar sometimes becomes more visible than desired, due to thickening, fading,...
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Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+1
Breast implants scars around the areola usually heal nicely.
The scars from a breast augmentation around the areola usually heal nicely, but for a few patients their own healing response can make the scars visible and unsightly. What can you do to prevent bad scarring?
Prevention - the best way not to have bad scars is to fight them off before you get them.
A) Put silicone sheeting or gel on the scars as soon as your doctor thinks it is appropriate
B) put sunblock on the scars even if you are wearing a bathing suit. The ultraviolet rays can penetrate...
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