Concerned about itching & redness around breast augmentation scars 6 months post-op (Photo)

Thank you for your inquiry! Scar creams can be used on scars to minimize appearance as well as silicone scar sheets. Hydrocortisone cream can be applied to decrease the irritation and itching. We would love to see you in person or virtually to discuss options or schedule a consult with a licensed aesthetician to assess scars.

Itching, more redness than normal and thick and scars are all signs of a keloid scar. However, keloids tend to grow beyond the actual scar which the picture does not indicate. This may be a hypertrophic scar that’s overreacting. This can be due to genetics, too much irritation of the wound during surgery, or a reaction to the suture material. In any case it usually resolves on its own, unless it’s a true keloid or unless permanent suture was used. I would give this more time or consider mild steroid injections to the wound. Ultimately if it doesn’t improve, you can just have the scar and use a different choice of sutures that are quicker absorbing.

Our office has many different treatments for scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. Scars require a combination approach using our HI DEF protocol which uses a combination of lasers, topical scar modulation, and RF treatments to pixelate scars, improve contour, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve the visibility of the scars so that they are no longer visible in ambient light. Everyone has a unique pattern of scarring and we employ our HIDEF technique to improve texture, color, contour, and topography. We often use a combination of treatments that begin with a careful examination to examine the micro texturing of the acne scars. Atrophic scars and indented scars can benefit from injectable fillers such as Radiesse, Sculptra, and Restylane with or without subcision to remove tethered scars and atrophic depression. Hyper-redness in scars can be improved with V beam laser, Excel V, BBL, IPL, and Venus RF to improve the redness and reduce the visibility of deep scars. Fractional Thulium laser and clear & brilliant can also reduce the inflammation and redness of the scar when combined with topical therapy. Fractional lasers such as Fraxel, erbium, and CO2 laser can be combined with radio frequency and also fractional RF to improve textual issues and microtopography. Subcision and TCA cross are also used for deep ice pick scars and narrow valley scars in order to improve the micro texture. Above all, our combination approach with our clinical nurses and board-certified plastic surgeons can improve the quality of your skin by using at home Melarase creams combined with PRP treatments in our office to improve your skin quality and tone. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced team of experts in order to reduce your scarring.

Finally, hyperpigmentation of scars can be improved with at-home Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads to help reduce active PIH and melanin deposition.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Hello,

Thank you for reaching out and sharing your concerns regarding the itching and redness around your breast augmentation scars. Here are some insights and suggestions:

Healing Process:
Itching and redness can be normal parts of the healing process, even six months post-surgery, as scars can take up to a year or more to fully mature.

Possible Causes:
The itching may be due to the natural healing process, but it could also be a sign of irritation or an allergic reaction, possibly to clothing, skincare products, or adhesives.

Management Tips:
Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to help soothe the skin.
Continue using silicone gel or sheets, which can help in reducing redness and itching.
Avoid scratching the area to prevent irritation or potential infection.

When to Consult Your Surgeon:
If the redness and itching persist or worsen, or if you notice any swelling, discharge, or increased pain, it’s important to contact your surgeon or dermatologist for further evaluation.

Potential Treatments:
Your healthcare provider might recommend treatments such as topical steroids or antihistamines to alleviate itching and reduce redness.

I recommend reaching out to your surgeon for a follow-up appointment to ensure everything is healing as expected and to address any underlying issues.

Best regards,