It has almost been two years since I had a BA and I'm concerned about my scars. They're still VERY visible (I understand in many cases they never dissappear completely). They seem larger, wider ad brighter then they should at this point but I'm not sure what's normal. There are also a few bumps. Occasionally, especially after wearing a bra all day, the scars become really uncomfortable and itchy. I've talked to my Dr. several times and she says to just massage them. Also steroid injections didn't work.
October 18, 2014
Answer: How long post-op should scars be red/purple and raised? 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. The appearance thus far looks excellent and at 5 weeks postoperative, it is quite early to comment on the final appearance. Be patient with this and follow your surgeon's instructions. Hope that this helps! Best wishes for what appears to already be an excellent result!
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October 18, 2014
Answer: How long post-op should scars be red/purple and raised? 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. The appearance thus far looks excellent and at 5 weeks postoperative, it is quite early to comment on the final appearance. Be patient with this and follow your surgeon's instructions. Hope that this helps! Best wishes for what appears to already be an excellent result!
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October 20, 2014
Answer: Scars It sounds and appears as though you have hypertrophic scarring. Sorry to hear steroids didn't work, as injections will usually help with itching and flattening the scar. In my practice, I will also treat difficult scars with fractional CO2 laser. Since you are 2 years out from surgery, you may want to talk to your surgeon about a scar revision.
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October 20, 2014
Answer: Scars It sounds and appears as though you have hypertrophic scarring. Sorry to hear steroids didn't work, as injections will usually help with itching and flattening the scar. In my practice, I will also treat difficult scars with fractional CO2 laser. Since you are 2 years out from surgery, you may want to talk to your surgeon about a scar revision.
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