Making the choice to enhance your breasts with breast augmentation is a significant one, so understanding the procedure as fully as possible can help you feel more confident and at ease moving forward.
In this article, we’ll delve into everything you need to know about the breast augmentation procedure and scarring. We’ll go over the four types of breast augmentation incisions, explore the process of scar formation, and provide valuable insights into ensuring optimal scar healing after breast surgery.
4 Types of Breast Augmentation Incisions
Breast augmentation is a personalized journey, and choosing the right incision technique is a crucial step. That’s because, naturally, wherever you have incisions, you’ll end up with breast implant scars.
Here are the four main types of breast augmentation incisions. The incision type your surgeon chooses will depend on your anatomy, chosen breast implant size, and personal preference.
Inframammary Incision (Breast Crease Incision): This incision is made along the crease where the breast meets the chest wall (inframammary fold). It offers excellent visibility for precise implant placement and minimal interference with breast tissue. Most plastic surgeons prefer this method.
Periareolar Incision: Placed along the edge of the areola, this incision blends well with the natural border of the areola. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking discreet, minimal scarring and placement.
Transaxillary Incision: This incision is made in the armpit crease, offering a scar-free breast area. The implants are then inserted and guided into position. It’s a popular choice for those who want to avoid scars on the breast itself.
Lollipop Incision or Anchor Incision (Breast Lift With Implants Incision): For those combining a breast lift with augmentation, this technique involves a vertical incision from the areola to the breast crease, along with a horizontal incision within the crease. Ultimately, it allows for comprehensive reshaping and implant placement.
What Do Breast Augmentation Scars Look Like?
Breast augmentation scars vary in appearance depending on the chosen incision type and how your body heals. Initially, scars may appear reddish or pink and could be slightly raised or firm. However, as the healing process progresses, these scars tend to fade and become flatter.
Over time, most breast augmentation scars take on a lighter color that more closely matches your skin tone. With proper care and patience, the scars typically become less noticeable, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of your enhanced appearance. Remember, every individual’s healing journey is unique, and your surgeon will guide you on scar management to achieve the best possible outcome.
Why Do We Scar After a Cut?
Scars form as part of the body’s natural healing process. When the skin is injured, the body produces collagen to repair the damage, resulting in scar tissue. While it’s impossible to avoid scarring entirely, proper care can minimize their visibility.
Signs Your Breast Implant Scars Aren’t Healing Well
Despite being a natural part of the healing process breast augmentation scars can be a nuisance for women who just want to enjoy their new breast implants. Fortunately, most scars heal well and are hardly visible over time. When the majority of patients follow their surgeon’s advice and allow their body to carry out the natural process of healing, their scars will gradually fade.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that you can simply let your scars go and not monitor them. In very rare cases, some scars that remain may present issues.
Here are signs to be aware of, indicating that your scars may need professional attention:
Excessive redness, swelling, or tenderness
Prolonged pain or discomfort
Unusual changes in scar appearance
Delayed healing or opening of the incision
How to Ensure Proper Scar Healing After Breast Augmentation
The goal is always to keep surgical incisions out of sight, reduce scar tissue, and help scars fade in with your natural skin tone. But, of course, implant scars are an inevitable part of breast augmentation surgery, so they are always a key consideration when looking at your overall results.
The key is to have scars that heal flat and faded and are hardly noticeable. At least some good news is that breast enhancement with saline or silicone implants will provide fewer scars than enhancement with a breast lift.
Once you are in the healing phase of breast implant surgery, it’s time for your attention to turn to the maintenance and care of your scars. You need to understand how you can minimize scarring altogether and treat scars that are visible so that they fade nicely.
To promote optimal scar healing:
Follow your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions closely.
Keep the incision areas clean and dry.
Avoid sun exposure.
Massage the scar as directed by your surgeon.
Stay patient and maintain a positive outlook.
FAQ: Breast Implant Scars
Do breast implants leave permanent scars?
Yes, breast augmentation incisions will leave scars, but with proper care, they will become less noticeable over time.
How can I hide my breast implant scars?
Choosing the right incision technique for your preferences and working with an experienced surgeon can help minimize scar visibility.
Will I have fat transfer breast augmentation scars?
Yes, scars after breast augmentation fat transfer may occur, but they are typically smaller than those from traditional breast implant incisions.
Will I lose nipple sensation after breast augmentation?
The potential for changes in nipple sensation after breast augmentation exists, but the extent varies among individuals. This is a common concern among breast-related surgical procedures. Some people may experience temporary altered sensation, which can include heightened or decreased sensitivity. In most cases, sensation gradually returns to normal as your body heals.
However, there is a possibility of permanent changes in nipple sensation, although this is relatively uncommon. Your surgeon will discuss this aspect of plastic surgery with you during the consultation, addressing your concerns and providing personalized insights based on your unique circumstances and the chosen surgical approach.
What do breast augmentation scars after 6 months look like?
As you progress through your breast augmentation recovery week by week, you should see rapid improvements. Around six months post-surgery, scars often appear faded and have become less prominent, blending with the surrounding skin.
What will my breast augmentation scars after 1 year look like?
After a year, scars continue to improve and become even less noticeable, allowing you to fully enjoy your enhanced appearance. Be sure to continue keeping your scars away from sun exposure even after a year.
Book Your Consultation Today
Your journey to a more confident you with breast implants starts here. If you’re eager to explore the possibilities of breast augmentation, reach out to us today to set up a consultation with board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ashley Steinberg.
Dr. Steinberg and her team will show you breast augmentation before and after photos and discuss your goals and expectations. Be sure to bring details about your medical history and pictures for reference if you choose.
Your dreams of enhanced beauty are within reach, and we’re excited to be a part of your transformation.
