7 months post op Breast lift I've been left with thick and painful scarring. How did this happen and what can I do now? (photos)

Question

I had a breast lift op in March and have only started to heal. I was of healthy weight and eat well, stayed super clean and followed aftercare exactly but my sutures completely came away and I didn't heal for months!! I had such bad leakage for months and had to visit the nurse twice a week for dressing changes the whole process was depressing and stressful. As my skin has only just came together I've been left with terrible, thick and painful scaring.How did this happen and what can I do now?

Ajay Mahajan, MD, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

It is very unfortunate that you have ended up with wound healing problems after your surgery. This can happen in patients who smoke and I do not do this procedure in these patients. I hope that you do not smoke, but if you do, you need to stop to help the wounds heal fully. It does appear that you are have developed hypertrophic scars. These need to be treated with steroid injections / silicone gel to help soften them. Please see your plastic surgeon about it.

John J. O'Brien, MD · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your questions and your photos. It looks like you had developed a postoperative infection and a wound dehiscence that was allowed to heal secondarily. You may certainly be able to have a secondary scar or mastopexy revision once the scars have fully matured. We have also recommended silicone scar creams and also both topical and intralesional cortisone injections for some of our patients postoperatively. I would recommend that you discuss all of this with your treating physician. Allow the scars to fully mature since they had just recently healed over. We will  generally  want to wait approximately 6-12 months for the scars to mature and in many instances they will also contract and improve.best of luck.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

For now, you need to avoid any tanning, use scar products like Mederma or Scar Guard, and let your tissue continue to heal. Please continue to follow up with your surgeon. Once healed, your scars can be revised.

Douglas McGeorge, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

At this stage the scars need to settle and mature.  Using a new cream, Solution for Scars, can help with the thickness and discomfort.  Once settled revision can be considered.

Owen Reid, MD · Answer

It's been approximately 7 months since your breast lift and, therefore, I would expect your scars to continue to mature and improve over the next several months. I would expect the vertical scar to fade and soften. The periareolar scar may not change or improve as much. There would be no significant change in breast shape. Alternatively, you may wish to consider a scar revision which may result in narrowing and improvement of both the periareolar and the vertical scar as well as adjustments in areolar size, areolar position and breast shape. I might prefer this option.

7 months post op Breast lift I've been left with thick and painful scarring. How did this happen and what can I do now? (photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Bad scars

Answer: Bad scars

Answer: Options after a breast lift complicated by delayed healing

Answer: Options after a breast lift complicated by delayed healing

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Everything you need to know about Breast Lift

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7 months post op Breast lift I've been left with thick and painful scarring. How did this happen and what can I do now? (photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Bad scars

Answer: Bad scars

Answer: Options after a breast lift complicated by delayed healing

Answer: Options after a breast lift complicated by delayed healing

Browse related questions

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.