What are my options for improving my breast lift scars? (Photos)

Question

I’m 6 months post breast lift and extremely unhappy with my scars. I’m happy with the breast shape, but the scars have become a major source of self-consciousness. My surgeon advised against any scar-improvement procedures, but I’d like to get additional opinions. The scars, especially at the T-junctions, are very thick and feel almost leathery. The areolas have also become somewhat irregular in shape, possibly from the release of tension at the T-junctions. I’m strongly considering surgical revision and am open to whatever approach would give me the best realistic outcome. Money is not an object. Could the scars and areolar distortion potentially be revised surgically, and would you recommend waiting 12months? For surgeons who perform revision breast surgery, what should I look for or specifically ask about when screening a surgeon to maximize my chances of a better result and ensure appropriate follow-up and management of the scars?

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

That looks like leftover areolar pigmented skin rather than hyperpigmentation scars.

When areolae (darker skin around nipples) are very large, that skin may not be able to be totally removed during a breast lift- it would be too wide 
and tight to close properly.

It is very common to wait until the skin softens enough so those areolar stripes can be removed, often under local. Areolar can be reshaped also. In extremely wide areas, that may require two stages.

Usual timeframe is 6-12 months.

Follow up with your/a plastic surgeon is recommended to confirm.

It is common, when the lift softens

Justin Yovino, MD, FACS · Answer

You should do great with a scar revision. All of the scars would be removed and the area cleaned up around the areola and vertically down to the fold. This procedure is under local anesthesia. It seems that you may have had some delayed healing and subsequent wounds that contributed to those scars. Highly consider hyperbaric oxygen treatment nearly immediately afterwards for at least a few days.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

I recommend a circumareola mastopexy to take care of the inframammary areola scarring and the vertical component would be excised at that time as well. It would create a new "T" however, it would be under less tension than the original operation. 6 months is an appropriate time to wait for a revision.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Emre Guvercin, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Yes, both the scars and the areolar distortion can be significantly improved with surgical revision. In your case, I would consider an inverted-T scar revision, excising the thickened scars and performing a low-tension re-closure. This also provides an opportunity to reduce and reshape the areolas at the same operation, correcting the current distortion without creating additional areolar widening. At six months, the scars are still maturing, so unless there is a specific reason to intervene earlier, I would generally prefer to reassess closer to 12 months before definitive surgical revision. When choosing a revision surgeon, look specifically for someone experienced in secondary mastopexy and complex breast scar revision, and ask to see long-term revision results, particularly T-junction and periareolar scars.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

You can consider treatments such as silicone sheeting or lasers to fade the scars, but based on the photos you will likely need a scar revision for significant improvement.  It's best to wait until you are a year post op to give the scars time to mature.  I've included a video on the procedure that I hope you find helpful.

What are my options for improving my breast lift scars? (Photos)

Answers (5)

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