Why does the scar on my breast after a lift look so ugly? I feel mutilated (Photo)

Question

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

Best Scar Management is important to minimize or completely hide from view, the telltale signs of your surgery—namely, scars. Both you and your surgeon want you to have the most minimal scarring possible. There are many possible causes for scars that are enlarged or not healing well. Unsightly scars are most commonly due to genetics, underlying medical conditions, or improper scar/wound care. The last part is very important and patients can make a noticeable difference in their scars’ appearance by following best scar management practices. Here are some simple tips.
Scar Management tips:Minimize tension on the scar. Steri-Strips and/or surgical tape are often placed in non-hair bearing areas at the time of surgery to minimize tension and keep pressure over the scar.  This minimizes the  stress that  can pull the scar apart (dehiscence) creating a wound and  delaying healing time, and can make the scar wider, or more “ropy”. In the first few weeks after surgery, I recommend the use of Embrace Scar Therapy which is an adherent silicone sheeting pre-stretched when applied so as to offload tension on the scar.Keep your incision site/scar clean to prevent infection. Follow your surgeon’s wound care instructions to the letter with out modification. Never apply different products then recommended without first discussing them with your surgeon. This is especially important during the first few weeks. If there are any signs of infection, contact your surgeon’s office right away and/or see your doctor or his nurse immediately. Typical signs of infection may include redness outside the immediate incision site, asymmetric swelling, and drainage, of pus, fever, chills, and “feeling sick”.Protect your scars from the sun. Staying out of the sun is the best advice. Minimal exposure to sunlight is prevents hyperpigmentation (permanently turning brown) and other problems that can make the scar more noticeable. Sunscreen, at least 30 SPF and an overlying make camouflage make up additionally protects the scar from the suns harmful rays. This advice is especially important the first year following your surgery.Use specific scar maturation products recommended by your surgeon. Patients seem to have their own opinions on this touting everything from Pure Vit E, Coco butter, to Aloe Vera, etc but most have minimal benefit other than keeping the scar hydrated. Although hydration is important there are better, scientifically studied products with greater efficacy. Most of the scientific articles written about this subject indicate that topical silicone gel or silicone sheets work the best. The best product available in my opinion is the Embrace Scar Therapy System by Neodyne BioSciences, Inc. available in many surgeons’ offices. Essentially this is an adherent silicone sheeting pre-stretched when applied so as to offload tension on the scar. For areas that are not applicable for this product (e.g. smaller areas or on the face), I prefer BioCorneum or Kelo-Cote products There are a lot of products to choose from, but silicone should be one of the key ingredients. Although Mederma, an onion extract derivative active ingredient rather than mainly silicone based may help, primarily silicone based products are better and many also contain other ingredients that may be synergistic (hydrocortisone or other steroid, Vitamin E, Sunscreen, etc).. If the reader has problems obtaining these they can call my office. Patient compliance is also critical – use often and according to directions or it will not work optimally. NEVER apply products without first discussing them with your surgeon.Monitor to make sure your scar is progressing optimally. Keep your scheduled follow-up appointments with your surgeon to verify that your scars are maturing as expected.  Occasionally if indicated you may need a topical steroid preparation or even a series of  injections (5-FU and/or Steroids) or laser treatments  to treat or  prevent scar hypertrophy or keloid formation (red raised scars), or other topical medicines to treat post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (brown scars) with prescription creams and possible laser treatments. Tweet

Alicia Sigler, MD · Answer

Greetings,
Breast lift scars will be very noticeable for the first few months, often appearing red and lumpy. The scars will continue to fade into thin white lines over the next several months, but will never go away completely. Cortisone cream and silicone sheeting may reduce the appearance of scars. Your surgeon can explain your options according the time since surgery.
Have an excellent day!

Samuel Beran, MD · Answer

As a plastic surgeon I wish all scars were soft, flat,and blended in with the surrounding skin.  Unfortunately not all scars heal that way.  When we finish a case, the incisions are a fine line.  Over the next 12 months or so, the incisions usually fade nicely.  In a  small number of cases, the scars heal in a way that leaves them thick, wide, or prominent.  Some people just heal that way.  
So, generally we wait about a year to decide if a scar would benefit from revision.  A flat ,wide scar can often be excised and restitched and look much better.  Your plastic surgeon should be able to give you guidance.

David Bogue, MD · Answer

Scars may widen, darken, or elevate following any trauma or surgery. The scar appearance largely depends upon the factors present during healing. In the case of breast scars, tension and swelling have a lot to do with the final outcome. If the breast is swollen, not supported, or too tight, the resulting scars will widen. If there are issues with healing or infection, the scars may also be quite wide. Correction with a scar revision is the usual treatment.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Appears you have a spreading hypertrophic scar issue. This could be related to the surgical techniques use and your scar genetics in concert. Best to seek a few in person second opinions..

Why does the scar on my breast after a lift look so ugly? I feel mutilated (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Widened scars after surgery.

Answer: Widened scars after surgery.

Answer: Why does the scar on my breast after a lift look so ugly? I feel mutilated

Answer: Why does the scar on my breast after a lift look so ugly? I feel mutilated

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Everything you need to know about Breast Lift

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Why does the scar on my breast after a lift look so ugly? I feel mutilated (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Widened scars after surgery.

Answer: Widened scars after surgery.

Answer: Why does the scar on my breast after a lift look so ugly? I feel mutilated

Answer: Why does the scar on my breast after a lift look so ugly? I feel mutilated

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.