Post-op breast lift scar treatment options & stitching techniques?

Question

I I am very excited for my BL & I have come to terms with the scars, however, I have seen so many mixed advice given on the BEST post up scar treatment. I've seen posts about using silicone strips, medical tape on incisions for 6 months to reduce tension and create easier scar, emu oil(?)...bio oil, etc. What can I do to provide myself the BEST chance at thin, white, flat scars? I want to do the right thing. Anchor pattern to be used. Is there a stitching technique best for thin scarring?

Miguel Mota, MD · Answer

Excellent question! Avoiding tension on the scar is super important so try avoid heavy lifting and stretching at least for the first 4 weeks. I like to use dermabond, paper tape or steri-trips the first week or two to help counteract the swelling. Third and forth week just make sure to keep it clean and protected. I only recommend silicone strips after a full month post-op. This is the best way to make sure the scar is mature and strong enough for this type of treatment. Using silicone gel or silicone strips too early can result in a weak scar that is more prone to opening up.

Best of luck,
Dr. Miguel Mota

Best of luck,
Dr. Miguel Mota

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @Original753484, thank you for your question. My recommendation would be to follow the advice of your doctor since the surgical technique used by different specialists varies. For example, in my practice the incision I perform for a breast lift is in L shape that allows me to reacommodate the mammary tissue and elevate the areola and nipple with the most aesthetic result. Please have in mind that the scar takes different features depending on the process inherent to the patient's health and skin condition. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science” Member (IFATS), American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP)

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry! Scar creams can be used on scars to minimize appearance as well as silicone scar sheets for up to a year after surgery. Lasers such as Microneedling can also be performed to minimize appearance as well. We would love to see you in person or virtually to discuss treatment options or schedule a consult with a licensed aesthetician or a board certified plastic surgeon.

Elizabeth Kiwanuka, MD, PhD · Answer

The best post-surgical scar treatment combines silicone gel sheets or ointments, sun protection, and gentle massage. Silicone products hydrate the scar and reduce its appearance, while sunblock prevents darkening and further damage. Massaging the area improves flexibility and blood flow, aiding in a softer, less noticeable scar.

Richard A. Bartlett, MD · Answer

There is literature supporting silicone strips for reduction in scar appearance. The combination of medical grade silicone + compression from the strip has been effective in decreasing the thickness of scar tissue and reducing the redness. Anchor Pattern silicone strips are available for Breast Reduction and Mastopexy patient use. Strict adherence to post-operative activity restrictions can also positively affect the scar as it forms and matures. I suggest reaching out to your board certified plastic surgeon to find out what their preferred method of scar treatment is and let them guide you in purchasing a safe and effective product. I also suggest asking your plastic surgeon when it would be safest to start treating the scars after surgery.

Ryan Rebowe, MD · Answer

There are many myths and answers regarding optimal postoperative scar care. The most important thing for the first several (2-3 weeks) following a breast lift is to ensure that you are eating healthy, protein filled foods, taking a multivitamin, and taking care of your incision as your surgeon has prescribed. Once the dressing comes off, typically after two weeks, it is best to use some type of moisturizer over the incision. This can be as simple as Vaseline. After one month, as long as no other open areas are in your incision, I would transition to utilizing some type of moisturizer along with some type of silicone. Silicone sheeting is the best, but there are creams, such as Biocorneum, that incorporate silicone in them. I would continue this for at least two months (up to 3 months post op). After this, symptomatic scar treatment can begin, with lasering for redness or injection of a steroid if the scar is raised or hard.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Original753484,
for scars, I close all of my incisions in 5 layers and do not use absorbable sutures because they cause inflammation and worse scarring. I tape all of my incisions in the office visits once a week for six weeks after surgery to improve the appearance. After taping, I start my patients on a scar gel therapy for 3 months that they have to put on their incisions twice daily.You should discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon as different surgeons have different approaches in scar management.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

John Paul Tutela, MD · Answer

Thanks so much for reaching out. The best way to have optimal scars is to choose a great surgeon. So much of your final result will have to do with the tension that is set during surgery. That being said, I like to use a combination of silicone tape, and Skin Medica scar recovery gel as a first line of treatment for optimal scarring. After six weeks this can be enhanced by using pro fractional laser. I hope this helps :-)

Anne-Sophie Lessard, MD · Answer

Hello there, your final scar will be at round 12 months postop. I usually recommend silicone sheet at 2 weeks postop for 3-6 months that you should wear 23/24h! This is the only proven postop dressing. I also recommend scar massage to make them supple and pain free :) i hope this help a bit!

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

I would follow the advice of your surgeon as to what and when you should use scar products. For my patients, I use tape for a month and then they start scar products.