Shouldn't my Scars Be Nearly Invisible a Year After (Under the Crease) Breast Implant Surgery? (photo)

Question

I had my breast augmentation surgery about a year ago, under the crease. I feel like my scars are not getting any better, they are thick and reddish purple, and sometimes itchy still. I did everything my doctor prescribed to ensure i wouldn't have bad scarring. How long should it take to get better? are there creams that actually work, i've been using mederma but no results yet. I'm 25, does age make a difference?

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for the question! It is common for scars to fully mature for up to a year. In the meantime, there are a few things that may help to ameliorate your incision/scar. The most proven (as well as cheapest) modality is simple scar massage. Applying pressure and massaging the well-healed scar has been shown to improve the appearance as it breaks up the scar tissue, hopefully producing the finest scar as possible. Other things that have been shown to add some benefit, albeit controversial, are silicone sheets, hydration, and topical steroids. In addition, avoidance of direct sunlight to the incision will significantly help the appearance as they tend to discolor with UV light during the healing process. If unsightly scars are still present after approximately a year's time, other things that your surgeon may consider are intralesional steroid injections, laser, or just surgical revision of the scar itself.  Hope that this helps! Best wishes!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.

	I am sorry to hear that your scars are not improving.  Generally, I tell patients that scars can take up to 12-18 months to completely mature.  Sometimes steroid injections can help and sometimes a scar revision (can usually be performed under local anesthesia) can help.

	I would suggest seeing your surgeon and discussing your concerns to see what options he/she can offer to you.

	Best Wishes.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

Every one heals differently.  Healing is as unique to you as your fingerprint.  Most scars will turn white by one year but in some cases it takes longer.  Creams will be of no benefit.  If you have not shown significant improvement by year 2 then you may need a scar revision.

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS · Answer

Sorry that your scars have not improved although it can take 12 - 18 months for scars to have optimal improvement. There are steps that can improve the scar. Consult with your surgeon to explore your options.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question and photographs.  Your scars look very red considering they are 1-year-old and I understand they are lumpy.  The  1540 fractional erbium non-ablative laser is a very effective laser for treating scars.  The 1540 can often convert red raised lumpy scars to flat white scars.   Go to the website of Palomar Medical this a if there is a physician  in your area who has the 1540 laser.

Shouldn't my Scars Be Nearly Invisible a Year After (Under the Crease) Breast Implant Surgery? (photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Scars after Breast Augmentation

Answer: Scars after Breast Augmentation

Answer: 1540 laser treatments can improve red scars one year after breast augmentation

Answer: 1540 laser treatments can improve red scars one year after breast augmentation

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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Shouldn't my Scars Be Nearly Invisible a Year After (Under the Crease) Breast Implant Surgery? (photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Scars after Breast Augmentation

Answer: Scars after Breast Augmentation

Answer: 1540 laser treatments can improve red scars one year after breast augmentation

Answer: 1540 laser treatments can improve red scars one year after breast augmentation

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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