It's been 6 months since my breast lift scar revision. My scars look horrible, what do I do? Please help (Photo)

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

Thank you for your inquiry! Another scar revision to at a time that works for your schedule, so that you are not stressed, you are healthy and that you can give up nicotine for at least 4 weeks before the procedure and 4 weeks after the procedure. Schedule a consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to help you reach your goals.

I would recommend a scar revision with absolutely no vaping/nicotine/tobacco/marijuana smoke/vaping of any kind. Healing/scarring is impeded by use of nicotine/tobacco or inhalation of any type of vape/smoke.

It's understandable to feel concerned about the appearance of your scars after multiple breast surgeries. Several factors can influence scar healing, including infections, stress, lifestyle habits, and individual skin characteristics. Here are some steps you can take to address and potentially improve your scars:
Scar Management Treatments: There are various treatments available to improve the appearance of scars, including:
Silicone Gel Sheets or Creams: These can help flatten and soften scars over time.Steroid Injections: These can reduce inflammation and improve the texture of hypertrophic or keloid scars.
Laser Therapy: Laser treatments can minimize the appearance of scars by targeting the pigmentation and texture.
Microneedling: This treatment can stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture.
Lifestyle Adjustments: Reducing stress and quitting vaping can positively impact your overall healing process. Stress can affect your body's ability to heal, and nicotine from vaping can constrict blood vessels, reducing blood flow and oxygen to the tissues, which can impair healing.
Proper Wound Care: Follow your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions meticulously to avoid infections and support optimal healing. Keep the surgical area clean and moisturized as directed.
Healthy Diet and Hydration: Ensure you are eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals that support skin healing, such as vitamins A, C, E, and zinc. Staying hydrated is also crucial for overall skin health.
Patience and Time: Scars can take up to a year or more to fully mature and settle. Over time, they may continue to fade and become less noticeable.

Dear lex_arg,
I understand you are concerned with the appearance of your scars. As your scars heal, it should flatten out and lighten. Loss of pigmentation or hyperpigmentation may also be experienced but will resolve over time. Always follow your surgeon's post operative care instructions when it comes to scar management to avoid any complications like infection and for faster healing and recovery.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Thank you for your photos and question. I would suggest scheduling a follow up with your surgeon to discuss your concerns and options. Silicone based scar creams and laser therapy are non surgical options. Or your could discuss with your surgeon another scar revision. Nicotine use in any form can significantly interfere with wound healing and should be avoided prior to and after surgery. I hope you can find a solution with your surgeon!

From the photos it appears another scar revision is needed to improve your results. Typically it's recommended to wait 9-12 months after surgery to have a scar revision. It is essential that you do not have nicotine in any form during this time. That includes cigarettes, vaping, patch, gum, etc. Nicotine constricts blood vessels which impacts the healing process.

Hi. Sorry your scar didn’t heal well. I believe vaping did not help. It is best to stop vaping before and after surgery. A scar revision will definitely help, but I would recommend a full breast lift revision. Your implants seem great but the lower half of your breast is sagging and the areola is a bit low as well. Correcting these issues will obviously include a scar revision and your breasts will e even more beautiful.

Best of luck,
Dr. Miguel Mota

Each person heals differently, Treatment for keloid scar is possible. If you don't like the look or feel of a keloid, talk to your doctor about flattening or removing it. Even with treatment, a keloid can last for several years or come back. The navel will swell in the first few days after the procedure. The scar is normal and the scar itself will be hard at first but will soften over time. There are risk factors for keloid, such as age, having dark or black skin, or having families with previous history. Here a couple of
Treatments for keloids, Cream with corticosteroids. Injected medication. Freezing of the scar. Laser treatment. Radiotherapy. Surgical removal.

For dark scars, fortunately, there are treatments available, such as depigmentation creams, dermatological procedures, and laser therapy options, that can help reduce pigmentation and improve the appearance of hyper-pigmented scars. Look for a good specialist.

I hope this help, good luck!

I would first try micro-needling to help the scarring settled. they might be able to be made thinner again after that. Stop vaping!! It is much worse than smoking!!