Why to do about painful mastopexy scars? (photos)

Question

Hi I had a mastopexy without implants just over a month ago. I am now having problems with painful scars. They are risen and some spots are hardened. Almost feel like burns.They are interrupting my day to day life because irritation and sparks of pain. I had a bad experience with my original surgeon and do not want to seek treatment from them again, so is there another type of doctor to seek treatment, maybe a dermatologist or something? Please tell me if what I'm experiencing is normal thanks.

Shaher W. Khan, MD · Answer

As long as the wound is closed, use vaseline or aloe and massage the scar. From end to end in a circular motion 2-3 times a day. The can help break up the scar tissue and flatten the scar as well as desensitize it. If that does not help, sometimes a scar revision can be done.

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

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear of the issues you are having.  If you do not wish to consult with your surgeon you may want to discuss your concerns with another board certified plastic surgeon.  Steroid injections may help you.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Generous632529,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Cassie Nghiem, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear you're experiencing painful scars following surgery. Some discomfort is not unusual, and patients have described irritation and burning sensations. For the raised scars, you can consider steroid injections to the area. This can be done by a dermatologist or a surgeon. Treatment of complex pain after surgery may be a less straightforward answer and is usually directed by your surgeon.

Why to do about painful mastopexy scars? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Painful scars

Answer: Painful scars

Answer: Painful scars

Answer: Painful scars

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Why to do about painful mastopexy scars? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Painful scars

Answer: Painful scars

Answer: Painful scars

Answer: Painful scars

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.