Scars after a breast augmentation
After a breast augmentation, scars can form in different places depending on the procedure and technique. Where the incisions are made, how the scars heal and what you can do for a scar that is as inconspicuous as possible.
15 June 2023 · Dr. Markus-Johannes Handl
Scars after a breast augmentation
After a breast augmentation, scars can form in different places, depending on the type of procedure and the technique used. In a breast augmentation with implants, incisions are usually made in the inframammary fold, at the nipple or in the armpit. With suitable incisions and techniques, the scars can usually be placed so that they are as inconspicuous as possible later. The exact placement of the scars depends on the individual anatomy and the chosen surgical procedure. Your doctor will explain the possible scars and their placement to you in detail.
Where is the scar after a breast augmentation?
In a breast augmentation, Dr. Handl usually recommends placing the incision in the inframammary fold, so that the scar is covered by the breast itself and remains invisible. In contrast, the scar in a breast reduction or breast lift is larger and runs along the inframammary fold, then at a 90-degree angle up to the nipple and around it. Although this scar can be more noticeable afterwards than in a breast augmentation, good healing can be achieved with the right aftercare. However, not every lift with an implant requires a vertical incision. If the breast sags, but not very much, a lift can be achieved with an incision around the areola only.
How do I care for the scar after breast surgery?
The healing of scars after surgery can be a long process, but it can be positively influenced by the right care. There are various products such as creams and plaster strips that have been shown to speed up wound healing and improve the appearance of the scar. The plaster strips, also called tapes, should be changed every few days to maintain their effectiveness.
Creams, on the other hand, should be applied thinly every day after showering. After about 6 weeks, you can also begin gently massaging the scar to promote blood flow and speed up healing. These methods are part of the treatment and should be used regularly to make the scar fade more quickly.
UV protection is important for caring for the breast scar!
In the first weeks and months after the operation, the scar may still look purple or reddish. This is normal and no cause for concern. Over time, it becomes lighter and less noticeable. However, it is important to protect the scar very strictly from sunlight in the first year. If the scar is exposed to the sun, hyperpigmentation can occur. A sun protection factor of at least 50 should therefore always be applied to protect the scar.
After about a year, the scar has completely healed in most cases and is barely visible. If you have carried out the right care and aftercare, the scar should not feel any different from the surrounding skin either. It is important to be patient and follow your doctor's care instructions exactly to achieve an optimal result.
Dr. Handl Pure Care
Because a fresh scar lacks melanocytes, it produces less melanin than the surrounding skin and is therefore sensitive to UV radiation. For lasting UV protection, Dr. Handl has developed the high-quality skin care line PURE CARE, which includes a sun protection factor (SPF). SPF is essential for correct scar care and an important part of achieving a barely visible scar.
