I just had surgery 4 wks ago. Breast lift and augmentation. I am terrified of the scarring. Any suggestions? (photos)

Question

What can I do to help it heal faster? Correctly? Does it appear infected?

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

The final appearance, shape, and movement are not exactly the same as normal breasts. The surgically enlarged breasts do not move in the same way as normal breasts. They tend to be firmer. The contours are usually somewhat different than normal breasts. In some patients these discrepancies may be rather noticeable. Although every effort is made to place the implants symmetrically, complete symmetry is rarely achieved. Immediately after surgery, the breasts are swollen and firmer. The final shape and size is approximated after 2 to 3 months, but up to one year may be required for the end result.

Michael Brucker, MD · Answer

Please continue to be followed by your surgeon regarding the small opened area to make sure it doesn't become infected.  I counsel my patients beforehand to be prepared for a good 4 to 6 months where the scars will be more visible (pink/red) and it will take 18 months for the scar to fully mature.  Most vertical scars fade to the point of being barely imperceptible with time.  You can try a medical grade silicone product such as Silagen to help reduce redness and flatten your scars.  Silagen makes a lolipop mastopexy shaped silicone sheeting and a topical silicone gel that must be kept on your scars 24 hours a day for 3 months.  Medical grade silicone has been proven effective in improving scars and is only sold through doctors' offices.  Keep your scars out of the sun/tanning beds and avoid sleeping on your stomach to reduce pressure and tension on them.

Robert J. Spies, MD · Answer

Your scars are doing quite well for only one month after surgery.  The small opening on the one breast does happen and heals quite well with some simple wound care.  It happens because of the tightness and swelling from the lift.An in-depth exam would tell you more about infections and scarring.  I would recommend you see your doctor and have him or her treat you accordingly.Remember, breast scars take time to heal and fade.  I tell my patients they fade usually between one and two years.  There are numerous products to help scars heal and fade.  Ask your surgeon about these treatments as well.Hope this helps.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

and more typical for a vertical lift.  Focus on healing first and then just plan on some kind of scar revision down the road that will tidy things up nicely.  Be more concerned about how the wounds are healing around your areola and the upper vertical portions as that is what your significant other will see... and it is not infected.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello
dear, thanks for your question and provided information as well… 
I have to say that you are still early on healing process, it is too soon to
determine how your results are going to be, per now, they look very nice and
beautiful, you can have one bigger than the other, feel swollen and also have
bruises and open wounds, it is normal and that can happen Hello dear, thanks for your question
and provided information as well..

Sanjay Azad, MS, FRCSEd · Answer

I am enclosing my typical scar management regime and would suggest this to improve your outcomes.5days ON and 2days OFF REGIMEDr Sanjay Azad will typically take off the first layer of
sterile dressing (Padded Tegaderm) at the first appointment. The underlying
Steristrips on the wound are typically left undisturbed.

The Steristrips are left for another week. Feel free to shower
as these are completely waterproof and stick to the skin like second skin.

Dr Sanjay Azad will take off the Steristrips at the second
appointment and support the wound with paper tape called Micropore tape. The
idea is to support the wound, which is still fragile and can open up without
any untoward activity.

The tape is left for 5 days (5DAYS ON) without being disturbed. You can shower as normal.

If there are any small unhealed area than it is advisable to
clean these on a daily basis after your shower and dry them thoroughly (you can
use towel or hair dryer on a cold setting). Thereafter the wound should be
dressed with Polysporin ointment, dressing gauze and tape across the wound. The
tape on the rest of the healed scar should be left intact till 5 days are
completed.

Apply ARNICA gel to all exposed areas at least twice a day to
improve the bruising and swelling.

Once 5 days are completed take the Micropore tape completely off
for 2 DAYS OFF. This is the time to
institute massage with a cream of your choice. The massage is done as per the
instructions twice a day for 15 minutes on each occasion. The tape can be an
irritant and leaving the tape off, gives the wound a breather to heal better.
The massage helps in reducing scar sensitivity and improves collagen
realignment.

If there are any exposed small areas of wound then these should
be treated with daily showers, polysporin, gauze and taping across the wound
till healing. Continue with the rest of
the regime for the wound as described above.

If the scar is becoming hypertrophic or keloidal than Dr Sanjay
Azad may prescribe specific measures to deal with this uncommon but well-known
situation.

Any area of liposuction should also be massaged to improve
scarring within.

The above mentioned regime should continue for at least 6 months
to give your scars the best outcome.

Use Sunblock Factor 30 for at least 1year to avoid pigmentation
issues.

I hope this advice will help you in mitigating the scarring.

I just had surgery 4 wks ago. Breast lift and augmentation. I am terrified of the scarring. Any suggestions? (photos)

Answers (6)

More Breast Lift with Implants Questions

Will my seroma 6 years after breast surgery go away with aspirations?

Follow-up: Desired look with 230cc or 250cc implant maximum. Nothing bigger; main goal is perkiness (Photos)

My implants go flat and fall into my armpits, leaving loose skin. What can be done? (Photos)

Do you have a lot of 60 year old women having breast lifts?

I'm getting a breast lift & implants; I'm on phentermine. How long before surgery do I have to stop taking phentermine?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS