5 months po, is it normal to still have big red raised scars around areolas? Like my nipples have "slid off" somewhat? (Photo)

Question

Looks like my nipples have stretched from my breasts some and are attached by wide red ropey scars. I have always taped, bio oiled, cocoa buttered, silicone sheeted, silicone gelled- (broke me out). I don't see my scars fading anytime soon! I'm so sad. And the areola/nipple area is so sensitive! Any advice??

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

It can take up to a year for your scars to resolve. However, you should point your issue out to your surgeon and discuss whether any scar revision options would help. Best, Dr. Nazarian

Wesley T. Myers, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Scars have a lifecycle. It can
take 12 months for them to complete this lifecycle and mature. I recommend that
you make an appointment with your plastic surgeon to discuss possible scar therapies
that would be best for your situation.

Mark A. Schusterman, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes your scars do look fairly red and ropey, but 5 months is not long enough to assess scars.  With more time the scars should settle down.

John Dean, MD · Answer

Your scars are excessive and it sounds like you are doing many of the usual things to improve them.  Your plastic surgeon should be able to offer you some additional treatments, such as intra-lesional steroids, which can speed your scar maturation.

J. Garrett Harper, MD · Answer

I know it isn't fun, but
scars take a long time to mature and finalize.  I would tell you to give
it a year before making any decisions on revisions etc.  In the meantime,
there are some scar products and strategies like using paper tape to improve
things (sounds like you've tried them all).  I typically like to do those in the first three months instead of
after though.  Father Time is your friend.  Try not to focus on how
they look now- instead, focus on how much better your contour is.  I wish
there was a magic cure or something more to tell you.

Gary W. Cox, MD · Answer

Sometimes healing/scarring goes like your have there is a part of the process.It is not always related to a problem.  Most often, scars that look like yours at five months will eventually settle down, it just takes longer than than most and much longer than you would like.Continue to follow up with your doctor.Good Luck.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Appears as still immature scars. Maybe laser scar therapy could help..................................

Paul Silverstein, MD (retired) · Answer

These scars are not normal healing  .  they are young and still forming to be sure, but they show signs of early hypertrophy and thickening which may or may not flatten out with time.  Talk to your surgeon about steroid injections or laser treatment.  What do the scars under your breast look like?  Are they red and ropy, also?  Do you have other scars from past surgeries that look like these?

5 months po, is it normal to still have big red raised scars around areolas? Like my nipples have "slid off" somewhat? (Photo)

Answers (8)

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