Breast Surgery Scars - Is there anything I can do to help reduce the appearance of the scars? (photos)

Hi, This kind of scaring is called hypertrophic scar, and it is characterized by being a reddish, elevated, hard scar that appears some months after the procedure, in some cases can be painful. In my opinion you should schedule a consultation with your plastic surgeon, so you can start treating the scar, initially with a silicone patch or a Steroid injection. This should be followed up closely so the management can be modified in case it is needed.Best regards,Dr. Enrique Quiros Lim

Hello, you can use silicone bandage, kitoscell cream, or also you can get steroid shots in the wound to improve the Result

Thanks for your question!
There are a few options. Silicone sheeting, scar recovery gel, and laser/micro needling. Speak with your surgeon for his/her recommendations. Best wishes!

Hello and thank you for your question! From your photo, it appears that the scar is hypertrophic/possible a keloid scar. These are often related to genetics but changes in other factors such as hormones (i.e. pregnancy) can contribute to their appearance/pigmentation. There are several options for these types of scars, ranging from silicone sheeting to injections/laser treatments, and finally, surgical revision. If it is a true keloid scar, SRT (superficial radiation therapy) may be an option to lower the risk of recurrence to the lowest possible percentage.

Dear Kind808222,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Based on your photo, it looks like laser treatment might help with hyperpigmentation. If you are considering treatment, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

The appearance of scars can vary widely depending on factors such as genetics, the type of surgery performed, and your body's healing process. Here are some tips that might help reduce the appearance of breast surgery scars:

1.) Follow Post-Operative Care Instructions: Your surgeon will likely provide you with specific instructions for wound care and scar management. Following these instructions carefully can help promote proper healing and minimize scarring.
2.) Keep the Incision Area Clean and Moisturized: Keeping the incision area clean and applying a gentle, hypoallergenic moisturizer might help prevent excessive drying of the skin, which could contribute to scarring. Avoid using harsh or scented products that might irritate the area.
3.) Avoid Sun Exposure: Sun exposure can cause scars to darken and become more noticeable. If you need to be out in the sun, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) to protect the area.
4.) Massage and Scar Tissue Mobilization: Gently massaging the scar tissue as advised by your doctor could help break up adhesions and promote blood circulation, potentially aiding in the healing process. Your doctor or a physical therapist can guide you on proper massage techniques.
5.) Silicone Gel Sheets or Creams: Some people find that using silicone gel sheets or creams can help soften and flatten scars. These products are available over-the-counter and can be used as per your doctor's recommendations.
6.) Scar Creams and Ointments: There are various scar creams and ointments available that may contain ingredients like vitamin E, vitamin C, or retinoids. Consult your doctor before using any of these products to ensure they are suitable for your skin type and the type of surgery you had.
7.) Laser Therapy and Other Treatments: Certain medical treatments, like laser therapy or corticosteroid injections, might help reduce scar appearance. Consult a dermatologist or plastic surgeon to determine if these treatments are appropriate for your situation.
8.) Time and Patience: It's important to remember that scars take time to mature and fade. Over the course of several months to a year, scars often become less noticeable naturally.
9.) Healthy Lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and avoiding habits like smoking can contribute to better overall healing and potentially improve the appearance of scars.
10.) Consult a Professional: It's always best to consult with a medical professional, such as your surgeon or a dermatologist, before attempting any scar reduction techniques. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation and medical history.

Thank you for sharing your photos. I would need to examine you in-person to best answer your question. In 5 to 10 percent of people, scars become hypertrophied because of an overproduction of scar tissue, and in some cases a keloid develops, causing a scar to appear dark, thickened, and raised. It used to be that to get rid of a scar, doctors had to excise it surgically and re-suture the wound in such a way as to minimize its appearance. But that really meant just replacing one blemish with another one potentially just as noticed. Fortunately, today we have several ways to improve a scar's appearance. Some techniques are most effective when a scar is still fresh, such as pigment blocking creams to even out color, silicone gel to improve texture, and massage to break down the tissue. But we also have several options after a scar has fully formed. Steroids injected directly into the healed wound can help to shrink the tissue and microdermabrasion and lasers can improve the appearance of the scar. Micro-RF is a microneedling procedure that our practice offers that helps improve and even skin texture. I recommend you meet with a board-certified plastic surgeon to explore your options in more detail.

From your submitted photo you appear to be a good candidate for a scar revision. The current scar tissue is simply excised and a new linear scar will remain. Your surgeon can advise various scar treatments that can be used after that to help the new scar heal favorably.

If the scars are thick, try Kenalog injections first to soften and flatten the scars. They then could be revised. Micro-needling could be done 6 weeks later to help give a nice result.