What are my options for scar revision from Bellini lift? (photos)

Question

I had a lift and 460cc implant done in Oct of 2013. My areola scars are humiliating, I have purse string suture and they are painful in some areas around the stitch. I cringe everytime my SO wants to touch my breasts. The left side has more puckering than the right and a slight dent. My main concern is the scars And uneven color on my areoles. Is tattooing an option or any type of scar therapy?

Joel Patrick Maier, MD · Answer

Sorry to hear about your concerns. You have two options. Either have your surgeon clip the purse string suture as this is likely causing the pain. But your areolas will spread and widen and perhaps help some with the denting and puckering. Better yet, conversion to a vertical mastopexy is better where the weight of the lift is not dependent on a purse string suture, but on the vertical scar which more or less looks like a stretch mark with time as it matures. Also as important, the nipple has no tension on it so it stays round, flat and crisp if done correctly. Having said that, this determination would have to be made with an exam to determine if you have enough skin for a vertical mastopexy with such large implants. A few second opinions would be helpful for you. Good luck and thanks for sharing.

Robert J. Spies, MD · Answer

Hello and I am sorry to hear about your scars.  Although this type of breast lift is commonly performed, it does have potential issues of which abnormal scarring is one of the most common.  All the tension from the lift is placed on the areola scar which gives a higher risk of shape deformity, wide scars and puckering.  In my opinion, a standard lift with anchor scars or areola and vertical scar provides better scars and much less chance of this happening.   Revising the scar may help but will most certainly not resolve the issue of tension.  Possibly,  a smaller implant at the time of scar revision may help by relieving some of the tension.  Please remember this is my opinion based on two pictures and may be different on a complete exam.  I would strongly suggest you go back to your original surgeon and discuss your concerns.

Mark A. Deuber, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. In my opinion, the issues you are having with your procedure are common occurrences after a peri-areolar purse-string lift or augmentation lift. Patients gravitate toward this type of procedure to "minimize" the scarring with a lift thinking the cosmetic outcome will be better. In my opinion, most patients will be better served with a vertical scar mastopexy or augmentation mastopexy in the long run. Your outcome could very well be improved even now with a conversion to a vertical scar pattern. Usually the shape of your breast will be improved as well.

Maan Kattash, MD, FRCS, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

Usually, plastic surgeons use a permanent stitch to hold the repair during a circumareolar mastopexy. This stitch is most likely what is causing your discomfort. It can be removed under local anesthesia. Scar revision to your stretched areolar scars can be also be performed at the same setting. Tattooing to mask the scars can be another valid option.

What are my options for scar revision from Bellini lift? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Y options for scar revision from Bellini lift? (photos)

Answer: Y options for scar revision from Bellini lift? (photos)

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What are my options for scar revision from Bellini lift? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Y options for scar revision from Bellini lift? (photos)

Answer: Y options for scar revision from Bellini lift? (photos)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift

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