A breast augmentation can increase breast size, change breast shape and alter the overall appearance of the breasts. However, like with any surgery, it comes with the potential for scarring.
While breast augmentation scars are a natural part of the healing process, there are ways to minimise the visibility of scarring. Choosing a surgeon who uses short-scar or minimal-scarring techniques and closely following some incision-healing and scar-minimising instructions can go a long way.
Dr Benjamin Norris is an experienced plastic surgeon, who has performed many cosmetic breast using both short-scar and minimal-scar techniques. If you want to undergo a breast augmentation and are concerned about scarring, we recommend booking a consultation with Dr Norris.
How does scarring look after a breast augmentation?
The appearance of breast augmentation scars really depends on the incision type that was used and its location. For breast augmentation, incisions are placed to insert breast implants. How scars may look will also depend on factors such as genetics, skin type, and individual healing.
Your surgeon will decide on the incision pattern and placement. Of course, your preferences will also be considered during the procedure planning process. When you meet with your surgeon, you will discuss the details of your surgery and be informed of all the steps that will be taken.
For a breast augmentation, Dr Norris may use a periareolar incision (a circular incision around the nipple), an inframammary incision (a horizontal incision along the lower breast crease), or a transaxillary incision (an incision in the armpit).
The good news is that all three of these incision placements are in locations that help to conceal scarring. A circular incision around the nipple can result in scarring that blends in with the areolae, an incision along the lower crease of the breast can be covered by the breasts, and a transaxillary incision will be concealed in the armpit.
While these incision placements can conceal breast augmentation scars, and Dr Norris may also use short-scar and minimal-scar techniques, following some tips to minimise scars can also help to reduce scarring.
Here are some tips to minimise breast augmentation scars
During your consultation with your surgeon, you can discuss aftercare steps that will help you to minimise scars. Dr Norris can give you advice that considers your personal skin type, and the placement of your incisions.
In the meantime, here are some of our tips to help minimise the appearance of scarring:
- Follow your recovery instructions
Following the recovery instructions provided by your surgeon will be the most important step you can take to help your healing – including the healing of your incisions. Your instructions may include keeping the incision sites clean, avoiding strenuous exercise, and wearing compression garments as advised. These steps can promote wound healing, promote general healing and minimise the risk of complications that could make scarring more prominent (such as wound infection). - Protect your incisions from excessive sun exposure
Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause scars to darken and become more noticeable. So, protecting your scars from direct sunlight can help them to fade over time, rather than become darker. You can protect them from excessive sun exposure by covering them with clothing or using a sunscreen with a high SPF, once the incisions have healed. - Apply scar-minimising gels or creams
During your recovery, your surgeon may be able to prescribe (or recommend) scar-minimising products. Some products can be used once your incision has healed, to help scarring fade, and some may be used to encourage the wound to heal sufficiently. You will need to ask your surgeon for personalised directions on how often to apply medicated gels or creams. - Try silicone gel sheets
Silicone gel sheets are another effective option for scar management. They are usually available as adhesive sheets, and are placed over the scar to apply constant pressure. Overtime, the sheets can help to flatten scars and reduce their visibility. Some patients opt for silicone gel sheets to help reduce scarring as they are convenient to use, and can be worn quite comfortably under clothing. If you do want to try silicone gel sheets, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and duration of use. You can also ask your surgeon for further advice on how to wear them, and how often.
- Use scar massage techniques
Gentle massage therapy can help to break down scar tissue, promote blood circulation, and help to soften and flatten the scars over time. Scar massage techniques will need to be used once the incisions have fully healed. We recommend asking your surgeon for specific scar massage techniques to use, but a simple method can be to gently knead the scar tissue, using circular motions with your fingertips. You can also experiment with different massage techniques, such as cross-friction massage or stretching movements, but make sure that you discuss them with your surgeon first. - Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
During your recovery, you should avoid smoking and consuming too much alcohol, as both of these habits can impair circulation and slow down wound healing. Instead, prioritising your health can help to support the healing of your incisions, and reduce the noticeability of scarring. - Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet
Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and nutrients can support the body’s natural healing process and promote skin health. You should also make sure that you stay hydrated during your recovery, as hydration is beneficial for skin elasticity and the general health of your skin. - Try laser scar therapy
Laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment option that can help improve the appearance of scars after a breast augmentation procedure. Laser treatments target the scar tissue beneath the skin’s surface, stimulating collagen production. Depending on the severity of the scars, multiple laser sessions may be necessary, but you will be able to discuss a treatment plan when you consult with a practitioner. You will need to determine if laser therapy is suitable for your specific needs, including your skin type, so you’ll need to have a consultation before receiving any treatment. - Be patient!
Patience is key when it comes to scar healing. While it’s natural to be eager for scars to fade, the process takes time. Initially, scars may appear red, raised, or slightly swollen, but they typically improve in appearance over several months to a year. Be patient and continue to follow your surgeon’s recommendations for scar care. - Choose the right surgeon
The right plastic surgeon will use precise techniques and minimise trauma to the surrounding tissue, which can help reduce the likelihood of prominent scarring. If your surgeon is experienced in using minimal-scar and short-scar techniques, this can be a huge benefit when it comes to minimising the visibility of scars. While following recovery steps will help, finding the right surgeon to use minimal scar techniques in the first place is an important first step.
Plastic Surgeon Dr Benjamin Norris: Performing breast procedures with short-scar and minimal-scar techniques
After over 20 years of training, Dr Norris has performed a large number of cosmetic breast procedures, including breast augmentations, using short-scar and minimal-scar techniques.
To continue his exposure to the latest techniques in breast surgery, Dr Norris has an ongoing program that involves travelling to Cosmetic Plastic Surgery centres, in Europe and the United States.
He performs a variety of breast procedures at his Bondi Junction and Bella Vista clinics in Sydney, creating personalised procedure plans that meet the needs of each patient.
To learn more about Dr Benjamin Norris, or to book your consultation, please contact our team!