How long does it take for a raised scar to flatten after breast lift?

Question

I had a full breast lift 2 months ago. How long does it take raised scars to flatten? One side is totally flat while the other is raised. Thanks

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for the question! It is common for scars to fully mature for up to a year. In the meantime, there are a few things that may help to ameliorate your incision/scar. The most proven (as well as cheapest) modality is simple scar massage. Applying pressure and massaging the well-healed scar has been shown to improve the appearance as it breaks up the scar tissue, hopefully producing the finest scar as possible. Other things that have been shown to add some benefit, albeit controversial, are silicone sheets, hydration, and topical steroids. These can usually be started at approximately 3-4 weeks postop and when incisions healed. In addition, avoidance of direct sunlight to the incision will significantly help the appearance as they tend to discolor with UV light during the healing process.  Scars will never disappear, but attempt is made to make the finest scar in a concealed location.  Incisions may be revised to lower or conceal better if enough laxity exists. If unsightly scars are still present after approximately a year's time, other things that your surgeon may consider are intralesional steroid injections, laser, or just surgical revision of the scar itself. Hope that this helps! Best wishes!

Luis Tactuk Simó, MD · Answer

Hello, first let me say that all scaring processes are different from each other, so don't be alarmed if both of the scars aren't completely the same. Second, it may take sometimes up to a year for a scar to become inactive, decreasing its color and flattening. Sometimes they stay like that and you would need further treatment for it to look better.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

As you noted on yourself, scars can mature at different rates, even on the same patient.  Each individual will have scars that mature at a different rate.  Most is due to genetics and others to surgical issues.  For all scars, time is on your side as nearly all scars get better with time.  Check with your plastic surgeon about some conservative measure to take, such as silicone pressure strips on your scar which may help the more active one to flatten and soften slightly faster.

Hisham Seify, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

In normal cases, scars have a tendency to heal about 3 months after surgery, but it could take as long as a year for the color or thickness to subside.  If we see a patient exhibiting signs of hypertrophic or thickening scars after surgery, we will immediately implement reduction techniques such as silicone sheeting or scar reduction as needed.  If further treatment is required, a scar revision may be performed at a later date.

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It can take months to years for this to happen.  I do not recommend steroid injections, as they will worsen the scar.All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

How long does it take for a raised scar to flatten after breast lift?

Answers (8)

Answer: Time frame for raised scar to flatten

Answer: Time frame for raised scar to flatten

Answer: Breast lift

Answer: Breast lift

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.

How long does it take for a raised scar to flatten after breast lift?

Answers (8)

Answer: Time frame for raised scar to flatten

Answer: Time frame for raised scar to flatten

Answer: Breast lift

Answer: Breast lift

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.