Should I avoid breast lift if I have had a hypertrophic scar?

Question

I’m interested in a breast lift but have had an isolated incident that resulted in a hypertrophic scar on my back. All of my other scars appear normal. Should I be concerned about developing hypertrophic scars after a breast lift?

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. Its ok to proceed with surgery but you are just at higher risk of hypertrophic scar. Speak to your plastic surgeon about your concerns and possible solutions.

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

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

The technique I recommend is The Bellesoma Method. This will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained. The closure of the scar around the areola is very fine with very little tension. This heals with minimal scarring. The other scar is hidden near or in the inframammary or the shadow of the breast.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Isolde15,
we specialize in minimal scars. Its starts with a peri-areolar incision that hides the scar at the border of the areola. Next, I close my incisions in 5 layers and take stitches out week one and week two. I don't recommend absorbable sutures because they cause inflammation that worsens scars. Then we tape your incisions once a week for 6 weeks. Lastly we start you on a 3 month topical scar management protocol with a scar gel thats FDA approved. 
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry, having a history of hypertrophic scarring should concern you--however the conditions, location and technique of repair of your back scar may contribute to that result.  Your plastic surgeon will also have probably recommend advanced scar reduction products, good luck.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You are at risk, but the scars could be treated. I would go in for a consultation and discuss this with your surgeon.

Cengizhan Ekizceli, MD · Answer

Thank you so much for your question! Nowadays alternative treatments or modifications to the procedure may be individually recommended to minimize the risk of scarring. It is important to understand that no surgery is without risk, and even with the best care and technique, there is always a chance of scarring. To give you a better medical evaluation please send pictures of scar on your back and breast. Take care!

Hilton Becker, MD · Answer

It would be beneficial to see pictures of your breasts and the  back scar
Keloids are more common on the back, and there are techniques that we use to reduce the risk of keloid formation.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

We could use some more information in answering your questions accurately.  First, what was the back scar from and how was it treated (suture, taped etc.)?
The other scars on your body, where are they, how did they occur and how were they treated?
A physical exam and answering these and several other questions would allow us to decide whether you are a good candidate for a breast lift or not.
Best wishes.
Dr. Taranow

Should I avoid breast lift if I have had a hypertrophic scar?

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