Do most doctors recommend putting tape over your incisions after breast lift surgery for scar reduction?

Question

And what type of tape? Will this reduce raised scars?

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

Hello, 
And thank you for the question.
I typically start all my patients after breast lift/reduction surgery on scar treatment regimen which involves application of silicone scar sheets/gel and scar massage beginning at 2-3 weeks after surgery.
Silicone scar sheets have been shown in multiple scientific studies to help soften and flatten the scars, so that they appear closer to skin's natural color and texture. Silicone scar sheet/gel also hydrates the skin and can reduce itching and discomfort associated with scars.
I hope this helps. I hope this helps. Best regards, Dr. Karanetz
Dr. Irena KaranetzFellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Plastic surgery scars require attention after surgery so that they remain cosmetically-appealing and barely noticeable. In our office, we use a protocol for scars that minimizes their activity in the 6-8 weeks after surgery. If you have late plastic surgery scars, you may also require laser and RF therapy to help reduce the longterm effects of the scarring. Keloids, hypertrophic scars, widened scars, red scars, and hyperpigmented scars all require scar modulation with topical creams followed by lasers and RF therapy. Topical skincare should be directed to a specific need, whether for pigmentation or hypertrophy and our office can guide you through the process to obtain the correct Plato’s Scar cream or Melarase cream for hypertrophy and discoloration. In terms of lasers, we would employ the vbeam laser for redness, Venus Viva RF, PRP microneedling, chemical peels, and Morpheus 8, fractional erbium, or fractional co2. All of these have their individual benefits. Most of all, we recommend you visit a solid plastic surgeon who understands surgical scar revision, laser therapy, and RF therapy for scars. 
 
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

As an author of Scars and Scar Revision in Reoperative Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, my research reinforced what we have known for years: Scarring is a product of genetics. Some people are good scar formers, and others are poorer scar formers. No particular scar treatment is better than another.I advise that scars not be exposed to sunlight for the first year due to risk for hyperpigmentation. Silicone sheets, Mederma, and Biocorneum are reasonable and popular options. I recommend that the scar therapy begin after the scars have healed and there are no open areas, which usually takes 4 to 6 weeks.

Warren Schutte, MD · Answer

Hello, yes, it is very common to have some type of 'covering' over incisions immediately after surgery. You will commonly see paper tape (which is very gentle). I use Dermabond Prineo tape for 2 weeks post op. The tape aids in keeping cleanliness, reduces tension on the incision line and helps scar appearance from day one. Incisions mature and continue to heal microscopically for 1 year post surgery. After tape is removed at two weeks, my staff begins scar care education right away which may include more taping and eventually mashing on incision lines and using scar cream twice daily.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear nurseRN9500,
scar prevention begins in the OR during the surgery when I meticulously close wounds in multiple layers in order to reduce tension and reduce scars width. I tape my incisions during the early postoperative period to reduce micromotions of the tissues so the incision can heal earlier. I also use compression garments and later Biocorneum gel.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

If you go online you will see many kinds of scar tape including those custom shaped for a breast lift. They do seem to help the scars although seem to work better in some cases than others.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

There are silicone strips or other scar products like Mederma or Scar Guard that work well for scars.

Robert Singer, MD · Answer

Every surgeon has her/his own way of managing incisions. There are numerous options of tapes, silicone sheeting, topical creams that have a benefit in scar maturartion. You should discuss your concerns with that surgeon in person and be very realistic about your potential cosmetic result.

Keep in mind that following the advice from a surgeon on this or any other website who proposes to tell you exactly what to do without examining you, physically feeling the tissue, assessing your desired outcome, taking a full medical history, and discussing the pros and cons of each operative procedure would not be in your best interest. I would suggest your plastic surgeon be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and ideally a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) that you trust and are comfortable with.

Robert Singer, MD FACS

La Jolla, California

Do most doctors recommend putting tape over your incisions after breast lift surgery for scar reduction?

Answers (8)

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