6 months post op - Will my scar continue to change as healing progresses or is this its permanent appearance? (photo)

Dear Gorgeous671883,

I understand you are concerned with the appearance of your scars. As your scars heal, it should flatten out and lighten. Loss of pigmentation or hyperpigmentation may also be experienced but will resolve over time. Always follow your surgeon's post operative care instructions when it comes to scar management to avoid any complications like infection and for faster healing and recovery.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

It sounds like you're concerned about the positioning of your scar following surgery and whether it will eventually settle into the natural fold or if it's going to remain in its current state. This kind of situation can be quite common, especially in surgeries involving the chest or abdomen, where scars are meant to fall into natural creases or folds.

Here are a few things to consider:

Healing Process: Scars can take several months to fully heal and settle. Sometimes, swelling, tissue shifting, or tension from healing can make the scar appear higher than expected. Over time, as the swelling decreases and your tissues settle, the scar may naturally move closer to the fold.

Bottoming Out: Bottoming out is a term usually used when implants or tissue start to drop too low, potentially pulling the scar along with it. If you feel like the lower part of your surgical area is shifting significantly, it's a good idea to discuss this with your surgeon to rule out any complications.

Scar Placement: In some cases, the scar may not fully fall into the fold, depending on factors such as your body’s healing pattern, how the surgery was performed, or how your skin and tissue respond to healing.

Follow-up with Surgeon: If you're uncertain, it’s always a good idea to consult with your surgeon. They can assess whether everything is healing as expected, if there’s any concern about bottoming out, or if this is just how your scar is likely to settle.

Have you noticed any significant changes in the position or appearance of the scar recently, or is this a concern you've had from the start?

From the photos it appears you are healing normally from surgery. It takes many months for scars to mature, soften, and fade. If the scars seem too obtrusive it's typically recommended to wait at least a year from surgery before considering surgical scar revision. Speak with your surgeon about scar treatments that you can begin right away. Remember the key to improvement is consistency with the scar products.

I tell my patients that scars take a full year to mature. The timeline for this can vary based on a patient's history of scaring, ethnicity, sun exposure, and scar care. Scars typically are appear maximally red/pink at ~3 months post-op and will continue to lighten from here. If you are still bothered by the appearance with time, lasering could be considered to further improve their appearance.
Sean Fisher Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon Seattle, WA

Your one phot does not show the inferior scar, so I cannot be specific. But, at 6 months, you should not have much change except that with aging.

I’m sorry that your surgeon is not informing you about what to expect in regards to scars after surgery.
This is something I usually discuss with every patient.
Skin incision healing typically stops changing at 12 to 18 months after surgery.
Scars typically look the worst at about six weeks to three months and then slowly begin to fade.
Most patients will see significant improvement at six months, but are far from being done at that point.
Sometimes scars will continue to fade even after a year and a half.
Individuals were prone to hypertrophic scarring should be using silicone tape.
Hypertrophic scoring is very different than hyperpigmented scoring.
One is related to the amount of scar tissue and the other to the color.
I do not recommend using silicone tape if the patient is only experiencing hyperpigmentation.
Hyperpigmentation usually takes care of itself, and most mature scars are hypopigmented or lighter than the patient natural skin color.
If you’ve had any surgery before or cut or scrapes, then you should have some idea of how your body heals with scars over time. I usually do a scar history or scar assessment before doing surgery on a patient tube and anticipate potential issues with healing after surgery.
Patient who have a history of hyperpigmentation or scar hypertrophy should be given a little extra guidance during the recovery process, including possible intervention.For mild hyperpigmentation only I don’t recommend doing anything except waiting.
I generally do not encourage people to do with treatments like laser until the scar is fully mature which in my opinion should be no less than 18 months from the date of surgery.
I think your breast look great and your scars will fade giving you an even better outcome with time.
Best,
Matt Hagstrom MD