Breast implant surgery is a common procedure, but what many people don’t realise is that it can leave visible scars. These breast implant scars often cause distress and self-consciousness, leading you to search for ways to diminish their appearance. It’s essential to understand that scars are a natural part of the healing process after any surgery, including breast implant surgery. They are the result of your body’s attempt to repair the skin and tissue damaged during the procedure. Before diving into the solutions to minimise breast implant scars, it’s crucial to know what you’re dealing with. Understanding the nature of these scars, what causes them, and how they develop, is the first step in your journey to tackle breast implant scars effectively.
Anca Breahna is a renowned plastic surgeon based in Chester, UK, specialising in breast surgery. She offers a range of breast surgery procedures including breast augmentation, breast reduction, and breast reconstruction, among others.
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The type of breast implant incisions your plastic surgeon makes during the procedure can influence the appearance and location of the scars. There are four main types of incisions: periareolar, inframammary, transaxillary, and transumbilical.
Periareolar incisions are made around the nipple. The resulting scars are usually well hidden, but there’s a higher risk of nipple sensation changes with this incision type. Inframammary incisions are made in the crease beneath the breast, resulting in scars that are hidden when you’re standing.
Transaxillary incisions are made in the armpit. This approach leaves no scars on the breast itself, but the scars can be visible when you lift your arms. Lastly, transumbilical incisions are made in the navel. This type of incision leaves no scars on the breasts, but it’s less commonly used due to the higher risk of complications.
Breast implant surgery is a complex procedure that requires careful planning and preparation. During the operation, Anca will make incisions in one of the locations discussed earlier, create a pocket to place the implant, and then close the incisions.
While the surgery itself usually takes 1-2 hours, the recovery period can last several weeks. It’s during this time that the breast implant scars will start to form. Following your plastic surgeon’s post-operative instructions is crucial to minimise complications and promote proper healing.
Knowing what to expect during the surgery can help you feel more prepared and less anxious. It’s essential to ask your plastic surgeon any questions you have about the procedure, recovery, and potential scarring.
After breast implant surgery, the healing process begins, and so does the formation of scars. Your body responds to the surgical incisions as wounds and starts repairing the damaged skin and tissue by producing new collagen fibres. This process results in the formation of a scar.
Initially, the scar may appear red and raised. Over time, it should gradually flatten and lighten in colour, blending more with the surrounding skin. This process can take up to a year or more.
The appearance of your scars can also be influenced by several factors, including your age, genetics, and overall health. Additionally, how you care for your wounds post-surgery can significantly affect how your scars develop.
Several factors can affect the appearance of your scars after breast surgery. Individual characteristics, such as your age, skin type, and genetics, can influence how your body heals and how visible your scars become.
For example, younger skin tends to heal faster and produce less noticeable scars than older skin. Similarly, some people have a genetic predisposition to develop thicker, more noticeable scars. People with darker skin tones are more prone to developing hyperpigmented (darker) scars, while those with lighter skin may develop hypopigmented (lighter) scars.
How you care for your wounds after surgery also plays a significant role. Proper wound care can help prevent infection, reduce inflammation, and promote smoother, less noticeable healing.
There are several proactive measures you can take to minimise scars after breast surgery. These include following your plastic surgeon’s post-operative instructions, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and using specific scar care products.
After your surgery, Anca will provide specific care instructions. These typically include keeping the area clean, avoiding strenuous activities, and wearing a support bra. Following these instructions can help prevent complications, reduce inflammation, and promote better healing, resulting in less noticeable scars.
Adopting a healthy lifestyle can also aid in your recovery. Proper nutrition provides your body with the necessary nutrients to repair damaged tissue, while regular exercise (once approved by your doctor) can improve circulation and speed up the healing process.
Scar care products, such as silicone sheets or gels, can also be beneficial. These products provide a protective barrier, maintain the skin’s moisture balance, and can help reduce the appearance of scars.
If your scars are still noticeable after following the proactive measures, there are medical treatments available that can help reduce their appearance. These include laser therapy, microneedling, and scar revision surgery.
Laser therapy uses concentrated light to break down scar tissue and stimulate the production of new, healthy skin cells. Microneedling involves using tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the scar tissue, triggering the body’s healing response and promoting smoother, more even skin.
Scar revision surgery is a more invasive option and is usually considered when other treatments have been ineffective. This procedure involves removing the existing scar and repositioning the incision to make it less visible.
In addition to medical treatments, there are home remedies you can try to diminish the appearance of breast implant scars. These include massaging the scar, using natural oils, and applying vitamin E.
Massaging the scar can help break down scar tissue and improve circulation to the area, promoting smoother, more even skin. Natural oils, such as coconut or rosehip oil, can moisturise the skin and promote healing.
Vitamin E is often recommended for scar care due to its antioxidant properties, which can protect and repair the skin. However, it’s essential to talk to your plastic surgeon before starting any new treatment, as some remedies may not be suitable for everyone.
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If your breast implant scars are causing you distress, or if they’re not improving despite your efforts, it’s time to consult your plastic surgeon. Anca can assess your scars and recommend the most effective treatment options for you.
Remember, it’s normal for scars to take time to heal, and the process can be slow. However, with patience and the right treatment, you can significantly minimise the appearance of your breast implant scars.
The scars’ location depends on the surgical approach:
Several methods can help:
While some natural remedies are believed to help, their efficacy isn’t always scientifically proven. For instance: