I am 3,5 months post op and quite happy with my results. But there's this discoloured scar on the areola of my left breast (there is a less noticeable one on the right,too). I use a silicon gel, following my doctor's advice. He recommends a very quick scar revision with local anesthetic 5-6 months post op. Do you agree? He also recommended sun exposure for 10-15 minutes everyday to make the scar darker and blend in. But I read that sun exposure is bad for scars. What is your opinion? Thank you!
Answer: Peri-areolar Scars Hello,I'm sorry to hear you had breast augmentation via a periareolar scar. This puts you at highest risk for complications associated with bacteria and with other scar related shape issues. Judging from your pictures, there was quite a bit of trauma in the region, given the wide, hypopigmented areas and pit like depression. Despite these abnormalities, I'd be in no rush to have any revision surgery now, and would heal for at least another 6 months. Also, I'd also go visit a few ABPS certified/ASAPS member surgeons who specialize in revision surgery. Best of luck.
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Answer: Peri-areolar Scars Hello,I'm sorry to hear you had breast augmentation via a periareolar scar. This puts you at highest risk for complications associated with bacteria and with other scar related shape issues. Judging from your pictures, there was quite a bit of trauma in the region, given the wide, hypopigmented areas and pit like depression. Despite these abnormalities, I'd be in no rush to have any revision surgery now, and would heal for at least another 6 months. Also, I'd also go visit a few ABPS certified/ASAPS member surgeons who specialize in revision surgery. Best of luck.
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January 31, 2018
Answer: Breast implant revision: scars hello e_m All surgery leaves scars, some more visible than others. Although good wound healing after a surgical procedure is expected, this surgery will result in long, prominent scars that are permanent. Abnormal scars may occur within the skin and deeper tissues. Scars may be unattractive and of a different color than the surrounding skin tone. Scar appearance may also vary within the same scar. Scars may be asymmetrical (appear different on the right and left sides of the body). There is the possibility of visible marks in the skin from sutures. These scars may become raised, red, or discolored in the first few weeks/months, but usually settle down over time. However, some patients are prone to “hypertrophic” or “keloid” scars i.e., prominent, raised, red scars that do not settle. Further treatments with medications and/or surgery may be required. #scars #post-op
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January 31, 2018
Answer: Breast implant revision: scars hello e_m All surgery leaves scars, some more visible than others. Although good wound healing after a surgical procedure is expected, this surgery will result in long, prominent scars that are permanent. Abnormal scars may occur within the skin and deeper tissues. Scars may be unattractive and of a different color than the surrounding skin tone. Scar appearance may also vary within the same scar. Scars may be asymmetrical (appear different on the right and left sides of the body). There is the possibility of visible marks in the skin from sutures. These scars may become raised, red, or discolored in the first few weeks/months, but usually settle down over time. However, some patients are prone to “hypertrophic” or “keloid” scars i.e., prominent, raised, red scars that do not settle. Further treatments with medications and/or surgery may be required. #scars #post-op
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January 31, 2018
Answer: Do I need a scar revision after periareolar breast augmentation I would agree that your scars are much more visible than ideal and could be definitely improved from scar revision. It is not clear what happened during the original surgery, but scar revisions can easily be done in the office. Although we have published research that ultraviolet exposure (sun) does not make scars larger, it can increase pigment. In your case, I doubt sun exposure is going to help much.
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January 31, 2018
Answer: Do I need a scar revision after periareolar breast augmentation I would agree that your scars are much more visible than ideal and could be definitely improved from scar revision. It is not clear what happened during the original surgery, but scar revisions can easily be done in the office. Although we have published research that ultraviolet exposure (sun) does not make scars larger, it can increase pigment. In your case, I doubt sun exposure is going to help much.
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January 31, 2018
Answer: Scar revision Dear E_M,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, MD
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January 31, 2018
Answer: Scar revision Dear E_M,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, MD
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January 30, 2018
Answer: Breast augmentation with scar concerns Hello,While things are healing it can be so hard to be patient but it can take up to year for scars to heal well and fade. That being said when scars do not look like they are healing as well as desired ,6 months is usually the earliest most plastic surgeons will consider doing revisions. It sounds like your plastic surgeon has been very on top of addressing this issue so I would continue to follow his recommendations. In general I do recommend sun protection during active healing but each plastic surgeon has reasons for their individual recommendations. Best of Luck with your healing!Dr. Rednam
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January 30, 2018
Answer: Breast augmentation with scar concerns Hello,While things are healing it can be so hard to be patient but it can take up to year for scars to heal well and fade. That being said when scars do not look like they are healing as well as desired ,6 months is usually the earliest most plastic surgeons will consider doing revisions. It sounds like your plastic surgeon has been very on top of addressing this issue so I would continue to follow his recommendations. In general I do recommend sun protection during active healing but each plastic surgeon has reasons for their individual recommendations. Best of Luck with your healing!Dr. Rednam
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