Scar Treatment After Mastectomy?

Question

I have bright red scars after a mastectomy 2 months ago. They are flat and not painful but wider than I would have liked. Is there a treatment that I can use to minimize the appearance of scars?  I know that there are silicon sheets and various creams, but I don't know what is most effective. What kind of ingredients should I look for? Is laser a good option? If so, what kind of laser? When should that happen for optimal results?

David Bogue, MD · Answer

The redness in the scars at 2 months is related to the increased blood flow in your healing scars. As time goes on, the redness will fade to a white scar. I would not recommend laser treatments or whitening creams at this point.

	You do not mention whether you have had a breast reconstruction. If you have tissue expanders and are setup for a staged breast reconstruction, the mastectomy scars will likely be revised at the time of implant exchange.

John P. Di Saia, MD · Answer

Early on scars may be red. This color within the scar should fade to an extent given time. Silicone sheeting and creams can be applied. GIve things a year to improve before doing anything. Scar revision can be offered for areas that don't improve to your satisfaction at that point.
Best Regards.

Bryan K. Chen, MD · Answer

Creams and silicone gel sheeting is helpful for raised, bumpy scars.  Sounds like you have a flat, immature, red scar that would probably respond best to laser/light therapies including the pulsed-dye laser (V-beam) and IPL (intense pulsed light).  I would start a series of laser/light treatments at 4 week intervals as soon as you are able to do so.
Good luck.

Scar Treatment After Mastectomy?

Answers (3)