Can microneedling (Morpheus) be done on breast implant scar?

Question

I had my breast augmentation surgery 3 months ago, my doctor told me I can do laser treatment for my scar .. all this time I was taking care of it and using scilcon gel and sheets and it was improving, but when I went to do the laser with the skin therapist she preferred to do microneedeling with a machine morpheus pro! The scar is dark red and it became worse! Is it safe to use this harsh treatment on my implant? Will it ever heal the scar?

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Microneedling, including treatments with devices like Morpheus8, can be an effective method for improving the appearance of scars, including those from breast augmentation surgery. However, there are several factors to consider:

Timing: It's crucial to allow adequate healing time post-surgery before undergoing any additional treatments. Three months may be sufficient for some individuals, but it's always best to follow your surgeon's specific recommendations.

Scar Maturity: If your scar is still dark red, it indicates that it is in the early stages of healing and still has active blood flow. Treatments like microneedling can sometimes exacerbate inflammation if done prematurely.

Safety: Generally, microneedling is safe and should not affect the breast implants themselves, as the needles do not penetrate deeply enough to reach the implant. However, it is essential that the procedure is performed by a qualified professional who understands the nuances of treating post-surgical scars.

Healing and Improvement: While microneedling can improve the texture and appearance of scars over time, it is not an immediate fix. The healing process can take several months, and multiple sessions may be necessary to achieve optimal results.

Alternative Treatments: If microneedling has caused your scar to worsen, it might be worth discussing other treatment options with your dermatologist or surgeon. Laser treatments, silicone sheets, and gels, as you have been using, are all viable options that can be tailored to your specific needs.

Given your situation, I recommend scheduling a follow-up appointment with your surgeon or a dermatologist to evaluate the current state of your scar and to discuss the best course of action moving forward.

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hello, my name is Ranen and I am an aesthetic nurse at Aesthetic Skin.  That’s a very valid and important concern — you’re absolutely right to be cautious. You’ve done an excellent job taking care of your scar so far, and your instincts about the timing and safety of energy-based treatments near recent breast implants are spot on.  At 3 months post–breast augmentation, your incision is still in the remodeling phase of wound healing:  Collagen is maturing and reorganizing. The scar may still be red or pink, and that’s normal. Most scars naturally lighten and flatten over 6–12 months with good care (like silicone gel/sheets — exactly what you were doing). So, your scar was still early in its natural recovery window when microneedling was performed.  This device is radiofrequency microneedling (RF-MN) — it combines: Microneedles that mechanically puncture the skin Radiofrequency energy that heats deeper layers (up to several millimeters) It’s a powerful treatment — excellent for acne scars or skin tightening — but it creates controlled heat and micro-injury in the dermis. That’s why it’s typically not recommended directly over fresh surgical scars or implants within the first 6 months, unless specifically cleared by your surgeon and performed with very conservative settings.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis for most deep scars. The options available for acne scars depend on the character of your scars, in terms of topography and contour. We see atrophic and hypertrophic acne scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. We begin each scar evaluation with an assessment of scar quality and subtype. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to decide whether early subcision should be started.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Viva Eve Dermatology - New York · Answer

Hi!
This is a great question! Microneedling is a go-to treatment option for scar treatment, as the resulting collagen production helps improve the appearance of the scar. There are some things to consider when treating scarring, and a good result will depend on many different factors. Morpheus is known to be a harsher microneedling device than other types of devices, and it is possible that your skin is still healing from the treatment. Some radiofrequency microneedling devices are less traumatizing to the skin and result in faster healing times. For full results after your treatment, it is best to wait about 12 weeks as the collagen deposits and the scar becomes resurfaced. 
As for scar treatment in the future, combining a microneedling treatment with a laser can yield very satisfying results. All in all, microneedling is a great treatment option for improving the appearance of scarring, just keep in mind that it can take many sessions for really great results. 
As always, an in person, in-depth consultation is required to best explain all treatment options and evaluate the area of concern. 
Best,Eleni Sgantzos, PA-CBoard-Certified Dermatology PAViva Eve

Can microneedling (Morpheus) be done on breast implant scar?

Answers (4)

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