11 months post op - what can I do about high breast augmentation scars? (photos)

Question

I had my breast augmentation surgery about 11 months ago and as they’ve been healing, I’ve noticed my scars are a bit high. Originally I was told my breasts would drop and I thought that would hide the scars but it hasn’t. I’m not sure what to do. Or if this is normal? It’s bothering me. Any advice would be great

Jeffrey Lisiecki, MD · Answer

Your implants have dropped a little bit, but mostly the problem is that your incision was put too close to the nipple for the size of implant you have.  The options at this point would be to wait for scars to mature more and fade (helped with scar treatments like laser and microneedling), or to try to move the scars into a more hidden position, which could be attempted by downsizing the implants and tightening the lower pole of the breast.

Gianfranco Frojo, MD · Answer

This is a result of a poorly planned incision (nipple to fold planning index). This is a challenging problem to fix as the implant has stretched out the lower pole of your breasts. I would recommend a potential scar revision to reduce the visibility of the scar and/or laser treatments to help with the pigment.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Persistent309959,
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. You can try laser treatment to improve them or scar revision. 
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Daniel Urias, MD · Answer

The distance between your scar and areola is going to determine what can be done. Time in order for the skin in that area to stretch and for your breast to become somewhat ptotic. Now this may not ever happen so then a breast lift may be possible with a lollipop incision to rearrange the skin but your breast will also need to have that extra skin to rearrange.

Sarper Mete, MD · Answer

If you are concerned about high breast augmentation scars, there are several steps you can take to improve their appearance. It's essential to note that scars will gradually fade and mature over time, so being patient is crucial. Here are some tips to help minimize and improve the appearance of high breast augmentation scars:
1.Follow Post-Operative Care Instructions: Adhere to your surgeon's post-operative care instructions diligently. Proper wound care, keeping the incisions clean and dry, and avoiding any unnecessary tension on the scars will aid in the healing process.2.Scar Massage: Gentle massage of the scars can help break down scar tissue and promote better healing. Your surgeon can demonstrate the proper technique for scar massage.3.Topical Treatments: There are various topical treatments available that can help improve the appearance of scars. Silicone gel sheets or silicone-based scar gels are commonly recommended by plastic surgeons. These products can hydrate the scar tissue and create a more favorable environment for healing.4.Avoid Sun Exposure: Protect your scars from the sun by using sunscreen or keeping them covered, as UV rays can make scars more prominent and pigmented.5.Laser Therapy: Some individuals find improvement in the appearance of their scars with laser treatments. 6. Time and Patience maturation is a gradual process that can take up to a year or more. Be patient and give your body time to heal naturally.7. Scar Revision Surgery: If you are still unhappy with the appearance of your scars after they have fully matured, scar revision surgery may be an option. This procedure involves removing the old scar tissue and re-closing the incisions to create a new, less noticeable scar.

Brian Widenhouse, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. You may want to try some silicone scar gel or strips. Most plastic surgeons carry a product to treat this type of scar. Laser treatments also may help.
Best of luck!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It does appear from your photos that your scars are a bit high.  You can consider scar revision to improve the appearance.  You will want to make sure the breasts are supported with a good bra to help keep them from continuing to shift.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Your implants have dropped somewhat which makes your scars appear a little high. Please discuss your concerns with your surgeon. Do wear a good supporting bra so that your implants do not drop more.

David Plank, MD · Answer

A board-certified plastic surgeon is qualified to address your issues. Board-certified plastic surgeons have spent years of training and have the top level of experience and skill. Seek out a board-certified plastic surgeon for your cosmetic needs.

Richard R. Orr, MD · Answer

I agree your scars are a little high.  It appears to me as if your implants have settled lower.  As they settle lower, they move down, underneath the scar and the scar appears to rise on the bottom of the breast.  
My first advice is to give them time.  As the scars finish maturing and healing, they will fade and become much less noticeable.  That usually occurs over 1 - 2 years.  Moisturizers, not Vitamin E (which will tend to make them wider!), and protection from suntanning will help.  Once they are faded out white, if they are still a problem, I would consider whether your implants need to be re-positioned to a higher place.  You appear to have lost some upper volume in your breasts as well.  Moving them higher will help that as well.
Good Luck to you!!

11 months post op - what can I do about high breast augmentation scars? (photos)

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