Why are my incisions/scars still sore 5 months post breast augmentation? (photos)

Question

I'm 5 months post breast implants and am still experiencing sore and tender incisions.. The scars are sore to touch/press and if I move my arms up too high or in a certain direction the incision hurts and feels like the skin is being pulled too much. Is this normal? Is something not right? Do they look normal?

Guy Watts, MBBS (Hons), FRACS (Plast) · Answer

Thank you for your question and images. From the pictures you have provided there is nothing of significant concern about the appearance of your scars. Scars do take 12 to 18 months before they complete their maturation process so to have some ongoing tenderness at 5 months is not out of the ordinary. Give yourself some more time, massage the scars and talk to your surgeon if you still have ongoing concerns. RegardsDr Guy Watts

Frank J. Ferraro, MD · Answer

Concerning the incision and subsequent healing my patients are instructed to care for them  in a specific way. Simply at first gentle shower and no topicals, then at 4 weeks they initiate scare cream. This is applied once per day and is silicone based. Afterward at 2 months they start to massage the incisions and allow proper healing. Total time up to one year.

Anthony P. Terrasse, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. From your picture, it seems as if your scars are healing nicely. It does take up to a year for incisions to completely heal, so the feeling you’re describing is not unusual. If you are unsure about it, I recommend that you talk with your own board certified plastic surgeon. He or she can examine you and set your mind at ease. Good luck!
Anthony P. Terrasse, MD

Aaron Capuano, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question. the scars look pretty normal based off the picture you provided.  I recommend that my patients begin gently massaging their incisions post surgery between 4 and 6 weeks.  The massaging can help reduce the discomfort of a wound through a process of desensitization.  Massaging five times a day for one minute at a time for 3 months is usually enough to help scars soften, look better and become less sensitive.  If it hurts when you move you should also do stretching exercises to make sure you can regain your full range of motion. I also recommend silicone sheets for six months to one year.  It is important that you discuss these concerns with the surgeon who operated on you.  I hope this answer helps you.

David G. Williamson, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and picture. People heal at different rates and this is quite normal. Your scar looks fine in the picture. You maybe having some tethering of the scar that massage may help. You could also see your surgeon to review the scaring/
Thx
Dave Williamson MD

Why are my incisions/scars still sore 5 months post breast augmentation? (photos)

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Answer: Gentle Massage

Answer: Why are my incisions/scars still sore 5 months post breast augmentation? (photos)

Answer: Why are my incisions/scars still sore 5 months post breast augmentation? (photos)

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Why are my incisions/scars still sore 5 months post breast augmentation? (photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Gentle Massage

Answer: Gentle Massage

Answer: Why are my incisions/scars still sore 5 months post breast augmentation? (photos)

Answer: Why are my incisions/scars still sore 5 months post breast augmentation? (photos)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.