Scars after Breast Augmentation - Is this something that can happen or that happens often?

Hi & thanks for your question!
It does not happen often, and the scars are minimal. However, because of your fears, you should reach out to your surgeon with your concerns. Best wishes!

Hello and thank you for your question. Unfortunately, you never really know what aesthetics are going to look like if you have to get breast implants removed for any reason. Some people's breast aesthetics are fine after removal as skin does contract somewhat in the post op period. Some people end up needing a breast lift or other work to address aesthetics.

Dear sofiazaran,
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, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Scars can occur after any surgical procedure, including breast augmentation. The type and location of the incision used to place the implant will determine the location and visibility of the scar. It is important to note that scarring can vary from person to person, and some people may be more prone to scarring than others. A board-certified plastic surgeon can give you a better idea of what kind of scarring to expect based on your individual case.

Scarring is a common outcome after breast augmentation, as incisions are necessary for implant placement. The extent of scarring varies among individuals and depends on factors like genetics, surgeon skill, and postoperative care. Most surgeons aim for minimal scarring, often placing incisions in inconspicuous areas. It’s crucial to follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions to promote optimal healing and reduce the visibility of scars.

It is basically impossible to provide surgery without scars. If you are being seen by a board-certified plastic surgeon and then I think that you have a great shot at having a great aesthetic result. Make sure that the goals that you have in mind are effectively communicated. Tailoring the operation to meet your goals specifically is the most important part about these types of surgeries. I think we can all understand the concerns about changing our appearance and therefore I think it’s important that you enter into this with the appropriate mindframe that you are sure that you want to proceed. These surgeries can offer a lot to each patient, however, it is often more difficult to undo them to do these procedures. Have a conversation about your goals with a board-certified plastic surgeon. We are happy to help in any way we can.

Thanks for your question. Usually scarring after a breast augmentation is minimal. Of course, anytime you have surgery, you will have scars. However, generally the scars following a breast augmentation are not problematic.
If you are having concerns, perhaps you should meet with your PS again to discuss.
Best of luck!

Typically patients can expect an incision under the breast or partially around the areola to have augmentation. At some point implants may need to be removed. This can be for many reasons including the patient wanting different implants, the patient no longer desiring implants, or implant issue. Removal alone can often be done through the original incision. If a lift is recommended, more incisions are required. If you are considering breast augmentation I encourage you to met with a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more.

The incisions required for breast augmentation are small and hidden for the most part. The face and the breast predictably heal with very fine scars over time and it is extremely unusual to see hypertrophic or keloid scars in these areas. There are certain skin types that do not heal predictably and therefore many patients with dark and Asian skin types prefer a transaxillary approach to breast augmentation. If there is a wide, thick or abnormal scar, it is concealed under the arm.

While scarring per se is usually not a major concern with breast augmentation, there are long-term issues to consider. The implants will over time stretch out the skin of the breasts. What that means is, that at some point in the future when your implants need to be removed, and all implants eventually need to be removed, it will be challenging to remove them without replacement. This is because the skin will have stretched out and you will have a very "saggy" look without implants or a lift. The real question I have for you is, if you are not discontented with your breasts, why are you having cosmetic surgery on them?