What can I do to fix the scarring after implant removal and vertical breast lift? (Photos)

Question

After 2 unsuccessful donut breast lifts to make my areola smaller and higher I was left with terrible wide scarring and huge areola. I was told by many doctors it was due to too much tension on the incisions and the only way to achieve the result i wanted was with a formal lift. So I opted to have my implants removed and a vertical breast lift 6 months ago. I’m left with scars that are even worse than before and I don’t understand why this keeps happening and what I can do to fix this. I cannot

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

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. Scars around the areola are common and can be worse if there is a great deal of tension to the area. Scars take about one year for it to mature, over this time they will gradually change in it appearance. You should be patient and then proceed with options. Talk to you plastic surgeon. In some cases depending on the pigment of the scar, treatments such as laser or microneedling have been indicated. If pigment is light, scar camouflage can be used. In the mean time always a good idea to wear a supportive bra and wear sunscreen.

Anna Steve, MD · Answer

Silicone products (gels or strips, C02 laser, steroid injections and a product called 5-FU can improve thickness of scar. Pulsed dye laser and sun protection and can help improve pigmentation.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Because you had a prior donut lift the areolae were stretched out. I suspect your surgeon tried to reduce them with the vertical lift and did a pretty good job. The scars should improve with time but you might need another minor revision

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear chicago1234567,
I understand you are concerned with the appearance of your scars. As your scars heal, it should flatten out and lighten. Loss of pigmentation or hyperpigmentation may also be experienced but will resolve over time. Always follow your surgeon's post operative care instructions when it comes to scar management to avoid any complications like infection and for faster healing and recovery.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

What can I do to fix the scarring after implant removal and vertical breast lift? (Photos)

Answers (7)