How bad of a scar will I have if I do a breast augmentation? Any major risks?

Thank you surgicalfairy for your questions.  Scarring depends on the each individual person.  Typically scarring is very limited but can't be promised how they will heal.  If you end up with a scar that you are not happy with there are some things that can be done afterwards to help the area improve, for example kenalog injections and or laser treatments. Anesthesia on the other hand is typically a safe procedure to be done.  I would recommend seeing a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to evaluate you and address all your concerns regarding the procedure and anesthesia risks.  Best of luck to you. 

These two surgeries are typically performed together with excellent results.  However, the areolar size always tends to increase no matter what is done. Would recommend that you schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon who has performed numerous restorative and aesthetic breast surgeries to discuss your options and as well as your concerns.  Defer to the experience, skill, and training of the PS in determining the best procedure for you.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Your concerns about differences between your breasts are very common.  You seem to have two issues: one - the areola and its size and two - adding volume with an augmentation.  You might consider separating out the procedures.  When you reduce the areola, you want it to heal with the thinnest scar possible.  Tension or stretch cause the scar to spread and widen and possibly thicken.  This can occur because not only are your shrinking down to a smaller diameter, which makes it a tighter circle, but then if you add an implant behind it, it will definitely increase the tension force of the nipple sutures.  
The procedures are often combined, and the surgeon will use a non-stretching type stitch in the areola to minimize the tension, however the potential to overstretch the scar is still present.  Often the areoles can be reduced and matched as a minor procedure, let that heal for a period of 3 months, then you can more confidently return and add an implant, and not worry that the areolas with end up stretched out again with a more noticeable scar.
Under careful monitoring with a board certified plastic surgeon and anesthesiologist, in a certified facility, you need not worry about life threatening events, especially if you are otherwise healthy.  So do your research and find a great doc in your area.
Best Wishes.

Dear Surgicalfairy,Hello and thank you for your excellent question.  You should be evaluated for a No-Vertical-Scar breast reduction technique.  Some people refer to this as the Bellesoma Breast Lift technique. Our technique provides an exceptional breast lift, upper pole fullness, relief from neck and back pain, and no vertical breast lift scar. It uses a woman’s OWN breast tissue to produce an internal suspension technique, without the need for a breast implant. It does not disturb the nipple, areola, or breast glands, so sensation and the ability to lactate is preserved. It uses 3D scanning of your breasts and body to design a procedure specifically designed for YOU, and you alone. Finally, for patients who desire breast enlargement, it can be combined with fat grafting. It is best to answer your question during a face-to-face evaluation, when you can discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure, and you can have a physical examination to evaluate for that procedure. I recommend that you find a board-certified, or board-eligible plastic surgeon with whom you are comfortable. Be sure to have all of your questions answered during a face-to-face meeting with your surgeon, and review before and after pictures of similar patients whom have had this procedure. If you have any questions, call our office for assistance. Good luck!

Best,

Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS

Harvard educated plastic surgeon

Texas “Top Doc” 2017, 2018

RealSelf100

America’s Top Plastic Surgeons, Consumer’s Research Council, 2010 – 2018

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