I am an African American 8 months post op (breast aug) and I am very worried about how my scars are healing. They often appear bright pink or red. Also I can feel the scars over my shirt this worries me that they aren’t healing flat enough. I have not used anything to aid in the healing of the scars and wonder if I should use some of the suggested silicone strips, scar cream or vitamin E.
January 22, 2012
Answer: Peri-Areolar Scars may be quite visible
Placing breast implants through a peri-areolar incision (around the areola) is my least favorite approach for breast augmentation. This is because the scar can be very visible. If it doesn't heal perfectly, it can look wide, thick, light, or dark...and is tough to hide. I prefer placing the scar in the breast fold because even if it heals poorly, it is more easily hidden in the crease and is not right in the middle of your breast. If the scar is thickened, steroid injections and topical treatments with Kelo-cote may help. A scar revision may also help but if your body is "programmed" to make a bad scar, the new scar may be the same or even worse. For light scars, tattooing is often a good option to help camoflauge it.
Helpful
January 22, 2012
Answer: Peri-Areolar Scars may be quite visible
Placing breast implants through a peri-areolar incision (around the areola) is my least favorite approach for breast augmentation. This is because the scar can be very visible. If it doesn't heal perfectly, it can look wide, thick, light, or dark...and is tough to hide. I prefer placing the scar in the breast fold because even if it heals poorly, it is more easily hidden in the crease and is not right in the middle of your breast. If the scar is thickened, steroid injections and topical treatments with Kelo-cote may help. A scar revision may also help but if your body is "programmed" to make a bad scar, the new scar may be the same or even worse. For light scars, tattooing is often a good option to help camoflauge it.
Helpful
January 22, 2012
Answer: Hypopigmentation is a difficult problem
Thanks for your question. You have hypopigmentation of your scar (too little pigment/coloration). You may gain pigment still for the next several months which will fill in the light spots. I do not know of any topical products which will improve that process. Silicone sheeting is excellent for keeping your scar flatter. If after 18 months you still have light areas you may have to consider a scar revision if it still troubles you.
Helpful
January 22, 2012
Answer: Hypopigmentation is a difficult problem
Thanks for your question. You have hypopigmentation of your scar (too little pigment/coloration). You may gain pigment still for the next several months which will fill in the light spots. I do not know of any topical products which will improve that process. Silicone sheeting is excellent for keeping your scar flatter. If after 18 months you still have light areas you may have to consider a scar revision if it still troubles you.
Helpful