Worried about scars under nipples after BA: What is the probability of getting a scar? How to prevent it? (Photos)

Question

I just had a breast augmentation surgery. Today is day 6. Under the mussels, 365 cc. My natural size was 34A/B. My doctor recommended to cut under nipples. My nipples are very small also. Now I’m thinking what are the best methods to prevent scars? Also the doctor will not take out the stitches Until the week 3 or 4. And he was very very strict about keeping it dry at all times, so no showers for 3-4 weeks, only baths from he top down.

S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on what appears to be an excellent breast augmentation.  Every plastic surgeon has his or her own paradigm for favorite incision site in a breast augmentation.  I personally don't use the edge of the nipple areolar complex for primary breast augmentations, but I always use them for secondary augmentations and there always is a scar no matter who does the surgery.  The scar can be thin or thick.  It can be wide or narrow.  You can't prevent scarring, it is completely normal.However, if you were my patient, we first laser any elevation away, and then we match your nipple areolar color by tattooing over the scar, therefore completely hiding the scar and effectively that is the best way, in my opinion, not to have a scar.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,Periareolar incisions will scar, and frequently those scars are noticeable. Take could care after sutures are removed using paper tape or porous elastic tape (Hypafix).  Best of lluck!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear yanaest,every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I tend to prefer the periareolar incision because its the most well hidden. There is a natural border between the areola and the rest of the breast skin the hides the incision extremely well. You have to be completely naked to see it vs other incisions like transaxillary and inframammary are visible in clothing such as sleeveless shirts and bikini tops when extending your arms up. I've also noticed increased rates of bottoming out with inframmary incisions that is not reported. Transaxillary implants are always wide in appearance because the surgeon is not able to dissect medially enough to provide better cleavage. Ultimately, I can perform any of the incisions but I recommend the periareolar. There is no difference in sensation because the nerves that control nipple sensation come in laterally from the back and injury to them occurs when surgeons dissect to far laterally which is why transaxillary incisions have the highest nipple sensation disruption. There is no difference in breast feeding ability. One study did show a slight increase in capsular contracture with use of periareolar but that study was small and did not incorporate modern techniques such as below muscle placement, keller funnel usage and triple antibiotic irrigation. I would suggest you to discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

but scarring is worse when sutures are left in more than 10 days... so I'm confused as to why your surgeon won't take them out sooner and why you cannot get the incision wet.  Most surgeons allow their patients to shower 2 days post-op and I'm one of them and have never seen an issue in my 25 year career.  Nipple incisions are nice for healing but if you use that route and want to fully breast feed later, it does impact that as you are cutting ducts, plain and simple.  Can you breast feed?  Absolutely but you may have to supplement.  The safest incision is under the breast but its safer by only single digits.

Ziyad Hammoudeh, MD · Answer

Whenever an incision is made in surgery, there will always be some sort of scar.  Sometimes this scar is barely perceptible and other times it is more prominent.  Therefore, the quality of this scar is what is important and should be considered at this point.  There are various factors that come in to play in terms of how prominent the scar will be.  These factors include your body's healing ability, location of the scar, surgical technique, and postoperative scar management.  Postoperative scar management is probably the least contributing factor among these, but it is the only one you can control at this point.  In general, scars placed along the inferior border of the areola such as yours typically heal very well.  I would recommend following up with your plastic surgeon for further guidance on his/her preferred postoperative scar therapy regimen and to help alleviate any concerns you may have in your recovery.
Ziyad Hammoudeh, MD

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Usually they heal well and scar will be minimal. Incisions will produce scars and we try to minimize them. Please talk to your PS for scar management as it heals.

Grant Stevens, MD · Answer

I never put in sutures which need to be removed and leave scars.   Different surgeons with different experiences and training certainly have different approaches. I allow showers the day after surgery in an effort to keep the incisions clean.  Closing the incisions with dissolvable sutures placed under the incision reduces scaring.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Incisions always cause scars. You already have scars and there is no way to go back on that. Follow your doctor's advice re scar treatment.

Worried about scars under nipples after BA: What is the probability of getting a scar? How to prevent it? (Photos)

Answers (8)

More Breast Augmentation Questions

Am I supposed to feel nauseous and have continuous headaches one week after Breast Augmentation?

Deposit amount for a breast augmentation?

Is 44lbs or 20kgs too much weight to lift 7 weeks post op?

BA, BBL and full body liposuction at once? (Photos)

Is a burning feeling near incision normal?

Flutter/gurgling after breast augmentation. Is this common?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS