Breast Augumentation Scars Have Become Lumpy and Thick, Why Did This Change?

Question

Hi there i had my breast implant surgery done about 4-5 weeks ago. The 1st couple of weeks my scars were very smooth and i could not feel the difference from when they were there and when they wern't there. It has now been about 5 weeks and all of a sudden they have gone lumpy. They feel very thick and larger then they 1st did. Any thoughts on why they have changed??

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Breast incisions can be managed using a multimodal approach:1) Scar massage - starting as soon as the surgical dressings come off and the incisions are sealed2) Silicone sheets or scar gels for about six months to year3) Embrace - a tension reducing dressing for the first 2 months4) Fractionated lasers to help blend the scar into the background - done as a series, starting about 4 weeks after surgery and repeated every four weeks for six months.5) Sunscreen to prevent the scars from darkeningThe lumpy feel should revert with some of the above.  If you feel, however, that they are only progressing, then visit with your surgeon.  They may consider steroids to help quiet down the scaring process.

Sacha Obaid, MD · Answer

As part of the healing process, scars may become a bit thicker in the first 6 weeks before they start to settle down. That being said, you should be examined by your surgeon to make sure that you do not have the beginnings of a keloid scar formation. If you do, steroid injections sooner rather than later can make a big difference. The best way to tell the difference between the two scenarios is to have your surgeon examine you.

William Bruno, MD · Answer

This firmness which forms within scars is very normal after surgery, it's called a healing ridge and is due in part to the formation of new collagen and scar tissue. It will soften up over time, but can take several months. You can speed up the process by massaging the scar and/or by using silicone tape directly on the scar.

	Best wishes,

	Dr.Bruno

Garrett A. Wirth, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

By your description, it is my opinion that your body is going through the normal healing process.  Some of these "bumps" could have been masked by some early postoperative swelling so they are just more noticeable now.  If your surgeon allows it, start massaging the areas to help along the healing process.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

usually by the 5-6 week point the scars tend to be the firmest and angriest looking. Usually this improves on its own. Some would recommend silicone sheeting, mederma, tape, etc.. It is best to be evaluated by your surgeon.

Breast Augumentation Scars Have Become Lumpy and Thick, Why Did This Change?

Answers (5)