Horrific scars after explant and now pancake breasts! Can scars be reduced? When can I consider a fat transfer? (Photo)

Question

Female aged 51, white, height 5’5”, weight 52kg Horrific scars and now pancake breasts! Can scars be reduced and how long to wait before considering fat transfer procedure?

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

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear LisaPM,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

It appears your explant  was recent. You don’t give a reason for the explantation. You should wait at least six months before doing anything and reassess your options at that time. Ideally you need a lift and volume added. Don’t know if placing an implant again is an option. You are looking at a multistage reconstruction whether it is with fat or a saline implant. It’s a very tough case

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

With your bruising and scars, you are very early in the healing process. Once you have reached 6 months from removal, you could consider a lift or fat and lift. Your scarring is not horrific, and micro-needling can be helpful.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Lisa,
You right breast scar is anything but horrific!  It appears to be very early in the postoperative healing phase and expect the scar to slowly fade (it was placed properly in the inframammary breast crease).  The breast deflation and wrinkling is a normal sequalae of explantation.
A fat transfer should not be attempted for at least 6 months to allow the swelling to subside and the capsules to collapse.  Fat transfers to the breast routinely enlarge the breasts ONLY 1/2 cup size. 
Best wishes,
Dr. Taranow

Horrific scars after explant and now pancake breasts! Can scars be reduced? When can I consider a fat transfer? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Breasts

Answer: Breasts

Answer: Revision breast procedure

Answer: Revision breast procedure

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Everything you need to know about Breast Fat Transfer

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Horrific scars after explant and now pancake breasts! Can scars be reduced? When can I consider a fat transfer? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Breasts

Answer: Breasts

Answer: Revision breast procedure

Answer: Revision breast procedure

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Fat Transfer

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