Flat, wide scars. Anyone have success with scar revision treatment? (Photo)

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. I typically allow after 4-6 weeks postop and once fully healed. 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. Lasers may also be an option for the appearance of your scars. If still no result, consideration for lasers, steroids, or scar revision may be entertained. Best wishes!

Thank you for your question. Wide scars are a result of tension on the incision line and decreased blood flow to the area. The scar color will gradually change over time. It is red initially and over time will begin to fade as the scar matures. I recommend waiting at least 12 months prior to proceeding with scar revision as the swelling needs to subside and surrounding tissues need to soften. It is best to follow up with your plastic surgeon for an in-person examination. Hope this helps and good luck. 

Thanks for your question and photos.  One reason why scars widen over time is because of tension and that is the reason why I and other plastic surgeons close incisions in multiple layers to minimize the tension at the skin.  For breast reductions, the T-junction has more tension and thus scar widening may be more common in this area than other areas.  When an incision heals, the scar continues to remodel for up to a year, often becoming more flat and pale.  Since you are already one year out after your surgery, your scar likely won't change very much on its own and a scar revision may be a good option for you.  Consult your original surgeon or another board certified surgeon for more information on a scar revision.  Hope this helps…best of luck!