Will Breast Augmentation Leave Scars?
Breast augmentation surgery is a type of cosmetic procedure that is performed to correct breast asymmetry, increase breast size, or increase breast volume or fullness. Because it is an invasive surgical procedure that involves the insertion of implants, breast augmentation surgery will leave scarring. However, there are a number of steps you can take, including choosing an experienced, professional plastic surgeon like the ones at SpaMedica, to ensure minimal scarring, and to help minimize the appearance of scarring as you heal from your breast augmentation surgery.
Where Will My Breast Augmentation Scars Be Located?
The location of your breast augmentation scars will depend on the type of breast augmentation surgery you are having performed. There are different types of breast augmentation surgery, all of which involve slightly different incisions.
In addition, the type of implant you choose will affect where your breast augmentation scar is located. There are two types of implant: saline breast implants and silicone breast implants.
Saline breast implants have a silicone outer shell that is filled with sterile saltwater (saline) solution. The implant can be inserted empty and filled with the solution once they have been surgically placed which means incisions can be much smaller and can be inserted through the armpit, or the areola. Silicone breast implants, also known as gummy bear implants, are pre-filled with semi-solid silicone gel. Because these implants are prefilled, they are typically inserted through under-the-breast incisional approach, called the IMF, or inframammary fold incision.
In most cases, your breast augmentation scars will not be visible, as they will be covered by your breasts, or by a bra or swimsuit top.
Common Incision Techniques
There are four types of incision commonly used for breast augmentation surgery: inframammary, periareolar, transaxillary, and tramsumbilical.
Inframammary Incision
An inframammary incision is an incision made below and along the bottom of the breast. This type of incision allows greater visibility and access for implant positioning, allows your surgeon to create a good pocket for your incision, and the resulting scar may be partially or fully hidden below the breast. However, in patients with very small breasts, scarring will likely be visible. This type of scarring is also visible when lying down.
Periareolar Incision
A periareolar incision is made below the areola. It also allows your surgeon good access and the ability to create a good pocket, because of the darker colouring of your areola and nipple, may offer better scar camouflage. However, this type of incision might result in a loss of nipple sensation.
Transaxillary Incision
This type of incision, made in the armpit, eliminates the possibility of visible scarring near the breast. Implantation is easy and direct, but incisions may need to be significantly longer and larger.
Transumbilical Incision
This type of incision is typically made below the bellybutton. While scarring of the breasts of upper body are avoided, a transumbilical incision can only be used for saline implants, and makes it difficult for your surgeon to create a precise pocket.
What Will My Breast Implant Scar Look Like?
The appearance of your breast implant scar will depend on the type of incision made. In most cases, it will appear as a thin line at the incision site, whether that is below your breasts, at the underarm, or below your areola. It is likely that your scarring will become more visible as your incisions heal. This is normal – scarring will fade over time. If you are concerned about any unusual irritation or discolouration of your scar, be sure to contact your surgeon.
Can I Minimize Scarring After Breast Implant Surgery?
Yes, you can help to minimize the appearance of scarring after you have breast augmentation surgery. The best way to do this is to follow your surgeon’s advice for complication-free healing after your procedure, which includes minimizing or quitting smoking, reducing or eliminating alcohol intake, staying hydrated, and eating a balanced diet that is free of processed ingredients or excess sugars. In addition, follow your surgeon’s advice on when to resume exercise and how to sleep properly following your procedure.
Alternative Scar Treatment Options?
If you experience excessive scarring after your procedure, there are some steps you can take to help minimize your scars’ appearance. These include applying topical vitamin E creams or lotions, applying cortisol lotions, or taking vitamin E supplements. You may also wish to opt for laser resurfacing treatments, which can help substantially reduce visible scarring.
