How long after a breast lift with implants can I get steroid injections into my scar?

Question

I am a 25 year old Black woman with a history of keloids. I plan to utilize silicon sheets, but those will only do so much.

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Hi & thanks for your question!
Check with your surgeon. He or she will know what a your best option is for scar care. Best wishes!

Walt Sweeney, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Without an in person examination it is hard to give precise recommendations, as there are multiple factors to consider. As a physician of color, I definitely understand that this can be a concern. Typically I will tell a patient to start silicone sheeting at about 2 weeks or after everything is completely healed without any signs of scabbing. Steroid injections usually at 1-2 months as I observe how the patient is healing and I will do it every 6 weeks or so. The best way to prevent keloids is to avoid excessive tension, which means to try and not exceed the capacity of your skin by placing an implant that is too large when done with the lift.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  In most cases 6-8 weeks after surgery you would be able to pursue steroid injections.  Take some vitamin A to aid in healing.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear aryan351,
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

Jacqueline Rose Makerewich, MD · Answer

Hello thank you for your question. Usually about 6 weeks. It takes a full 6 months to a year before the scar fully matures to its final state. Keloids can be tricky and a resection of the scar maybe needed. Of course without a proper physical examination it is difficult to assess and give you accurate advice. You should seek in person consultation with your plastic surgeon.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Every surgeon has his/her preference about scar treatment, but I start injecting as early as 6 weeks. If your keloids are very large, you might discuss having radiation right away after surgery to minimize the risk. It usually is only 3-5 treatments.

Wayne I. Yamahata, MD · Answer

Every patient will heal differently and the optimal time for steroid injections will vary. 
Also, not every person will benefit from and most will not require steroid injections. Your surgeon will examine your scars during the post operative appointments and make these decisions as you progress.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Speak with your surgeon about scar treatment options.  Our patients have had nice results from the Embrace Scar Therapy System.  Your surgeon will determine when it is appropriate for steroid injections if needed depending on how your scars heal.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

I would wait and follow the scar progression.  As soon as some thickening shows, then utilize steroid injections 
Dr.T

Douglas McGeorge, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

If you can get Solution for Scars, (made by the company Science of Skin), it has been shown to reduce scar thickness and redness and increase pliability and hydration.  Importantly, there are further significant improvements in all these parameters when used for a week, IN ADVANCE of surgery.

How long after a breast lift with implants can I get steroid injections into my scar?

Answers (10)

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