Why do incisions scars stretch? Can anything be done to prevent it? (Photo)

Question

I had a breast reduction and all was well until around 4 weeks after when my skin started to stretch. Is there a reason this happens, if so is there anything I can do to prevent it? I had this reduction as a corrective surgery because my previous one didn’t go to plan, I had a new surgeon with outstanding reviews and expertise in reconstruction. This scar stretching has happened after all 3 surgeries, is it just my skin elasticity? Thank you

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

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

There are several factors that go into how scars heal.  Your skin elasticity as you pointed out is one of them.  Tension on the incision is another.  Genetic influences can also factor in.  There are surgical techniques that can improve the chances of favorable scarring.  Scar creams, silicone sheeting and other treatments can also be used post surgery to improve the appearance of scars.

Albert Ko, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos! To avoid scars from widening, you should wear a compression bra and avoid stretching your upper body, which will allow for your scars to heal appropriately. The less tension you put on your incisions while they are healing is best for aesthetic results. Best of luck!

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Thanks for your question! It looks like there is just a lot of tension pulling in that area from multiple surgeries. I would suggest allowing your body time to heal and then maybe seeking out some sort of tattooing to help give your areola a better appearance. I think that is a much better alternative rather than a 4th surgery. Good luck!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Sunshine180,
for scars, I close all of my incisions in 5 layers and do not use absorbable sutures because they cause inflammation and worse scarring. I tape all of my incisions in the office visits once a week for six weeks after surgery to improve the appearance. After taping, I start my patients on a scar gel therapy for 3 months that they have to put on their incisions twice daily.You should discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon as different surgeons have different approaches in scar management.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Why do incisions scars stretch? Can anything be done to prevent it? (Photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Tension

Answer: Tension

Answer: Scars

Answer: Scars

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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

Why do incisions scars stretch? Can anything be done to prevent it? (Photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Tension

Answer: Tension

Answer: Scars

Answer: Scars

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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