Hypertrophic scarring on inframammary incision, is this how they will look? (Photos)

Question

I have a hypertrophic scar on one of my incisions from a breast augmentation in June of 2016. The scar is nearly two years old and has not improved, especially in comparison to the other scar on my left breast. Is there anything I can do at this point to improve the scarring on my right breast? Pictures included. Also, on the scar that has healed better, there is still slight discoloration. Will that fade with more time or is that the more than likely the final look?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Plastic surgery scars require attention after surgery so that they remain cosmetically-appealing and barely noticeable. In our office, we use a protocol for scars that minimizes their activity in the 6-8 weeks after surgery. If you have late plastic surgery scars, you may also require laser and RF therapy to help reduce the longterm effects of the scarring. Keloids, hypertrophic scars, widened scars, red scars, and hyperpigmented scars all require scar modulation with topical creams followed by lasers and RF therapy. Topical skincare should be directed to a specific need, whether for pigmentation or hypertrophy and our office can guide you through the process to obtain the correct Plato’s Scar cream or Melarase cream for hypertrophy and discoloration. In terms of lasers, we would employ the vbeam laser for redness, Venus Viva RF, PRP microneedling, chemical peels, and Morpheus 8, fractional erbium, or fractional co2. All of these have their individual benefits. Most of all, we recommend you visit a solid plastic surgeon who understands surgical scar revision, laser therapy, and RF therapy for scars. 
 
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Luis M. Rios Jr., MD · Answer

It looks like the right breast has a thick scar (hypertrophic scar). I know how distressing this can be.The best option for the thick scar on the right side would be to remove it and begin a series of steroid injections at the time of surgery and possibly weekly for a few weeks. At six weeks, a silicone gel pad can be added to help flatten out the scar. This procedure can probably be done in the office with local anesthesia. In other words, you can drive home after the procedure.For the left side, you probably have a few more months of improvement. In general, scars will improve for 2 years after surgery. There is no need to use steroid injections or anything else for the right side. Let nature take its course and at 2 years you will have your final result.Sorry for your difficulties, but keep in touch with your plastic surgeon and have him guide you through this process.Good Luck!

Jonathan Saunders, MD · Answer

usually by two years the scars are what they are going to be.  I have not found the steroid injections helpful.  a scar revision may be warranted with very close follow up afterwards. good luck

Jonathan Heistein, MD · Answer

Hi.  There are several options for treating hypertrophic scars. Usually, the first step would either be to use steroid cream or a steroid injection. If this doesn’t work then scar revision and other options are available. If you go talk to your plastic surgeon, I’m sure he/she should be able to help. Best of luck!

Jon E. Rast, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. There are several options to try and improve the scar on your right breast. Steroid injections may help flatten the scar. Also,it is possible to revise the scar as an office procedure. I would discuss your problem with your surgeon.

Hypertrophic scarring on inframammary incision, is this how they will look? (Photos)

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Answer: Hypertrophic scar

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Answer: Hypertrophic scarring

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Hypertrophic scarring on inframammary incision, is this how they will look? (Photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Hypertrophic scar

Answer: Hypertrophic scar

Answer: Hypertrophic scarring

Answer: Hypertrophic scarring

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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