A Complete Guide to Breast Implant Scars

For many people desiring beautiful and fuller breasts, breast implant procedure is quite popular.

 In 2021, breast augmentation with implants was one of the top 5 global cosmetic surgeries. This information is according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons', "2021 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report." Doctors performed over 365,000 procedures. Patients in the 20-39 age group undergo the majority of surgeries, and women constitute about 94% of them. 

But, like any surgery, scars are also a part of the breast implant procedure. Unfortunately, people may experience issues with self-confidence and anxiety due to post-surgical scars. Just when they thought they had achieved fully voluptuous and beautiful breasts.
In this guide, we will explain all the details about breast implant scars. We hope to answer your questions and ease any concerns you might have about the topic.
 

Types of Breast Implant Incisions

Let's explore the various types of incisions used for breast implants and understand their differences: 

• Inframammary Incision: This is the most common type of incision, made in the crease beneath the breast. It is less visible than other incisions. But it may not be suitable for some patients with very small breasts or those who plan to breastfeed later. 
   
• Periareolar Incision: The surgeon makes this incision around the edge of the areola. It is the least visible scar. But it may increase the risk of nipple sensitivity changes or breastfeeding problems.  
  
   
• Transaxillary Incision: The surgeon makes this incision in the armpit. It is a good option for patients who want to avoid any visible scars on the breast. But it may be more difficult to place the implant precisely.  
  
   
• Transumbilical Incision: The surgeon makes this incision in the belly button. It is a good option for patients who want to avoid any visible scars on the breast or armpit. But it may be more difficult to place the implant precisely and there is a higher risk of infection. 

Factors Influencing Incision Choice

When deciding how to make incisions for breast implant surgery and how they affect scarring, surgeons consider a mix of factors. These are unique details about the patient and specific aspects of the procedure. Let's explore these choices and their impact together!

Patient-Specific Factors:

• Skin Type and Tone: Thicker skin with good flexibility tends to scar less, making it suitable for various incisions. Thin or fragile skin requires careful consideration to minimize scarring.
  
   
• Anatomy: Breast size, shape, and positioning influence the best approach. Smaller breasts may not hide below the breast scars as well, while larger breasts may be better suited for them. 
  
   
• Medical History: Existing scars, keloid formation tendency, and prior surgeries can affect incision choices and scarring potential.
  
   
• Smoking Habits: Smoking impairs wound healing and increases scarring risk.
  
   
• Age: Younger patients generally heal better with less scarring compared to older patients.
  
   
• Personal Preferences: Some patients may prioritize minimal visibility over scar reduction influencing the incision choice.  

Procedure-Related Factors:
 

• Type of Implant: Different implant shapes and sizes may necessitate specific incisions for optimal placement and access.
  
   
• Surgical Technique: Open versus minimally invasive techniques may offer different incision options with varying scar visibility.
  
   
• Planned Procedures: Combining breast implants with other procedures like mastopexy or breast reduction might require specific incisions or adjustments.

Correlation Between Incision and Scarring:

 

• Incision Location: Below breast incisions are generally less visible than around the areola or through the armpit scars. But they may be more prone to hypertrophic or keloid scarring in susceptible people.
   
• Incision Length: Longer incisions tend to leave more noticeable scars compared to shorter ones.
  
   
• Incision Closure Techniques: Minimally invasive techniques with smaller incisions and meticulous closure techniques can minimize scarring.
  
   
• Aftercare: Proper wound care is essential. In addition, using as silicone gels or compression garments can help to significant improvement. You should also avoid sun exposure for enhancing the appearance of scars.

How to Minimize Scarring Before Surgery?

Before you get breast implants, giving your body some extra care can make a big difference in how your scars look and feel later. Think of it like preparing the soil for a garden. The better you care for it before planting, the prettier and stronger the flowers will bloom. 

Consequently, taking care of yourself before breast implant surgery helps your scars look and feel much better afterwards. If you are curious about how you can minimize these scars, we gathered some information for you:

Improve Wound Healing Efficiency:

 

• Quit Smoking: Stop smoking at least 4-6 weeks before surgery. Smoking slows down healing by reducing oxygen delivery to wounds. 
   
• Nutrition & Hydration: Eat a balanced diet with protein, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and zinc. This helps collagen and tissue repair. Don't forget to stay hydrated for the best blood flow. 
   
• Manage Medical Conditions: Address any underlying conditions like diabetes or autoimmune diseases that can impair healing.

Skin Preparation:

• Sun Protection: Avoid sun exposure pre- and post-surgery. UV rays damage skin and promote scarring. Use sunscreen daily with SPF 30 or higher.
   
• Moisturizing: Keep the incision area well-hydrated with fragrance-free moisturizers to improve flexibility and minimize tightness.
   
• Gentle Scrub: Before surgery, gently exfoliate to remove dead skin cells. This helps the wound close better and results in a smoother scar.

Manage Stress:

• Relaxation Techniques: Practice yoga, meditation, or deep breathing to manage stress and promote faster, cleaner healing.
   
• Education Before Surgery: Understand the surgical process, potential risks like scarring, and manage expectations. This reduces anxiety and promotes cooperation with post-operative care.

Additional Surgeon-Recommended Steps:

• Certain Medications or Supplements: Your surgeon may recommend specific medications or supplements. They can help in wound healing and reduce scarring based on your personal needs.
   
• Scar Management Products: Silicone gels or sheets applied to the incision after surgery can help flatten and soften scars.

Surgeons give advice to help patients get better. It's important for patients to follow the advice, take medicines as told, go to check-up appointments, and stay healthy. Talking openly with the surgeon helps everyone work together for the best recovery.

 

How to Minimize Scarring During Surgery?

Reducing scars completely is not possible, but certain surgical methods can make scars less noticeable after breast implant surgery. Yes, scars are inevitable. Thanks to technological advancements in breast implant surgery, it is possible to reduce the formation and appearance of scars. Of course, the surgeon's skills, expertise, and experience play a significant role in this. 
Here are some important strategies used during surgery to achieve this:

1. Incision Placement and Design:

• Location: Choosing the least visible incision site is crucial. Below breast incisions hidden in the crease beneath the breast are most common and leave minimal scarring. Incisions around the nipple are even less noticeable but may carry risks for nipple sensitivity changes. Surgeons rarely use incisions in the armpit or belly button due to their higher visibility and potential infection risks. 
• Length and Design: Shorter incisions generally result in less scarring. Zigzag or stepped incisions can also help camouflage the scar within the natural skin lines.
   

2. Carefully Tissue Handling:  

• Minimizing Dissection: Careful and precise dissection of tissues during implant placement is the first part. This process reduces trauma and promotes faster healing with minimal scarring. 
   
• Hemostasis Control: Precise bleeding control prevents blood clots and hematomas, which can contribute to scar formation.
   

3. Suture Techniques:

• Fine Sutures: Using fine, absorbable sutures minimizes irritation and scarring.
   
• Layered Closure: Closing the incision in layers, which includes muscle and skin, provides optimal support. This process reduces tension, leading to a finer scar. 
   

4. Additional Techniques:

• Barbed Sutures: These special sutures hold tissues together without needing to tie knots, reducing tension and potential scarring.
   
• Fat Grafting: In some cases, strategically placed fat grafts can camouflage the incision and improve scar appearance.

Surgeon's Role in Minimizing Scars During Surgery

The surgeon is essential in improving scars after breast implant surgery. They carefully select suitable patients based on anatomy and skin type. They also plan incisions thoughtfully to minimize scar length and blend with natural skin lines. Surgeons educate patients about the pros and cons of different techniques. 

These efforts contribute to achieving the best possible scar outcomes and enhancing the overall appearance after surgery.

After Surgery Scar Care 

After getting breast implants, taking good care of yourself right away is important for healing and reducing scars. Here are some simple tips:

• Rest and avoid heavy activities
• Follow doctor's instructions
• Keep the surgical area clean
• Wear supportive clothing
• Use ice packs or prescribed painkillers 
• Stay hydrated and eat well
• Attend follow-up appointments
• For any unusual pain or complain, contact your doctor. 

Scar Management Techniques and Products:

While you can't completely prevent scars, using different techniques and products can make scars look much better.

1. Topical Products:

• Silicone Gel Sheets: These self-adhesive sheets apply gentle pressure to the scar, promoting flattening and reducing redness.
   
• Silicone Ointments or Gels: These topical medications can help soften and hydrate the scar, improving its appearance.

2. Laser Treatments: Later in the healing process, consider laser treatments. These can address specific scar concerns, such as darkening or keloid formation.

3. Massage: Gentle scar massage with specialized oils or creams can help soften and flatten the scar tissue.

4. Scar Management Patches: These sticky patches made from silicone or other materials. They can help flatten and reduce the appearance of scars.  Make sure they're safe for your specific scar.

5. Avoiding Triggers:  Shield your scar from the sun, don't smoke, and do what your surgeon says about activities that might stress the incision. 

Talk to your surgeon before using any products or techniques to improve scars. Healing takes time, and everyone's results may be different. Be patient and stick to your scar care routine. Keep talking to your surgeon and share any worries for the best results.

Timeline of Scar Healing

Think of the scar healing process after breast implant surgery like a journey that takes about 12-18 months. Let's break down the exciting stages along the way!

Phase 1: Inflammation (0-5 days)

• Immediate tissue repair kicks in, causing redness, swelling, and some pain.
• Drainage tubes may be in place to manage fluid buildup.
• Rest and proper wound care are crucial.

Phase 2: Tissue expansion (5-21 days)

• Granulation tissue fills the wound, promoting initial scar formation.
• The scar appears raised, red, and tender.
• Under your surgeon's guidance, start gentle scar massage.

Phase 3: Maturation (3 weeks - 1 year)

• Scar starts to flatten and fade in color.
• Collagen production and scar remodeling continue.
• You can use silicone gel sheets or ointments to improve the appearance of scars.

Phase 4: Remodeling (1-2 years)

• The final phase of scar refinement.
• The scar continues to fade and soften, reaching its final look.
• Consider laser treatments or other advanced techniques to address specific concerns.

Think of your breast implant scars like a story that unfolds over the next 12-18 months. At first, there might be redness and swelling, and it might feel a bit uncomfortable. Just be patient and take good care of the wound. 

As time goes on, the scar might look bumpy and red, but gentle massages can help. Eventually, it flattens and fades, especially with silicone gels and sun protection. After a year or two, it settles into its final look. 

Keep in mind, everyone heals at their own pace, and sometimes there might be bumps in the road, like keloids or hypertrophic scars. If that happens, talk to your surgeon early. Throughout this journey, celebrate the progress and take care of yourself. Always remember, your scar tells a unique story of your body's amazing healing power.  

Are There Any Potential Issues from Scarring?

Taking good care of yourself after breast implant surgery helps a lot. But sometimes complications with scarring can still happen. We've listed potential problems and solutions for you in this table. But if you come across any unexpected issues, make sure to contact your doctor for the right solution.

How Do You Maintain Scars in the Long Term?

Taking good care of your scars right after surgery is important to make them less noticeable. But it's also crucial to keep looking after them in the long run to ensure they stay subtle and look good. Here's what you can do to care for your scars even years after getting breast implants:

• Sun Protection: Sunscreen is your daily must-have for long-term scar health.
• Hydration: Keep your skin supple with ample water and moisturizing creams.
• Scar Massage: Gentle massage helps soften and flatten the scar tissue.
• Silicone Gel Sheets: Apply continuous pressure to further reduce redness and flattening.
• Healthy Habits: Eat well, ditch smoking, and manage stress to support optimal healing.
• Laser Treatments: Address specific concerns like pigmentation or texture later on.
• Topical Creams: Explore options like vitamin E or hyaluronic acid creams for further improvement.
• Professional Consultations: If needed, seek expert advice for targeted treatment plans.

How to Find the Best Surgeons for Breast Implant Scars?

Discovering the best doctors and clinics for breast implant surgery is a key step. Equally important is finding experienced and expert professionals. In this way, they can address any concerns or questions about post-operative scars and the procedure itself. Before starting this journey, let's dive into how to uncover the top experts and clinics in the exciting world of breast implants!

• Research: Talk to doctors, check societies like ASPS, browse online reviews.
• Evaluate Surgeons: Look for board certification, experience, publications, and results.
• Consultations: Compare surgeons, ask questions, trust your gut.
• Consider Specialized Services: Scar management clinics, dermatologists, support groups.

Our platform, Wupdoc, makes all the mentioned methods easier. With its user-friendly interface and vast database, you can easily find the best breast implant doctors and clinics worldwide. Explore their profiles to learn about their experiences, expertise, and more. Use our advanced filters to search for treatments in your preferred countries and cities, compare prices, and find the right options.

You can also connect with doctors on our platform for post-breast implant scar treatments and discuss your treatment details. Your journey to confidence begins on Wupdoc!

Where are Breast Implants Most Popular Globally?

The best place for breast implant surgery depends on what matters most to you. Think about the cost, the results you want, the surgeon's skills, and how easy it is to travel there. Always pick a trusted and skilled surgeon, no matter where you choose. Do your research, talk to different doctors, and make safety and quality your top priorities. Here are some popular places for getting breast implant surgery:

Number of Procedures:

Globally: Countries like Brazil, the United States, Mexico, China, and Colombia 

Cities: Los Angeles, Miami, Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Seoul

Budget Friendly Costs:

Countries:  Turkey, Thailand, Mexico, Poland, and the Czech Republic 
Cities: Istanbul, Izmir, Antalya, Bangkok, Krakow, Wrocław, and Prague

Through Wupdoc, you can create a free enquiry for the best doctors and clinics providing breast implant services. Additionally, our platform's well-designed interface allows you to gather information about the cities and countries mentioned above. This way, you can embark on your journey to breast implants and scar healing with informed and confident steps.