Breast augmentation is a transformative procedure that enhances confidence and body contours, but many patients wonder how scars will heal after surgery. While scarring is a natural part of the healing process, proper care can ease their appearance. Dr. Rolando Morales, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Houston, is known for his meticulous technique and advanced scar-minimizing approaches. Today Dr. Morales will be sharing 3 helpful tips to reduce breast augmentation scars.
Where Scars Are Typically Placed
Dr. Morales takes great care in placing incisions in areas that are as discreet as possible to ensure minimal visibility of scars. The most common incision placements for breast augmentation in Houston, TX include:
Inframammary Fold (IMF) Incision
This incision is made in the natural crease beneath the breast. It is one of the most preferred methods because it allows for precise implant placement while keeping scars hidden under the breast’s natural contour.
For patients undergoing augmentation with a breast lift (mastopexy), additional incisions may be necessary to remove excess skin and reshape the breasts, so patients can expect more scarring. The common incision types for this procedure include:
Lollipop Incision
A vertical incision around the areola with an additional line extending down to the breast crease, is ideal for moderate lifting needs. For individuals who are concerned with these additional incisions, there are techniques that help reduce breast augmentation scars.
Anchor Incision
Used for more significant lifts, this technique includes the lollipop incision plus a horizontal incision along the breast fold. This is why understanding how you can ease the look of breast augmentation scars is helpful.
3 Ways To Reduce Breast Augmentation Scars
One of the most critical factors in reducing breast augmentation scars is adhering to post-operative care instructions provided by Dr. Morales. Proper wound care and following your surgeon’s guidelines can significantly improve how your scars heal.
1 – Keep Incisions Clean & Dry
Preventing infection is essential to minimizing scar formation. Use mild, non-irritating cleansers as directed.
2 – Avoid Excessive Movement & Strain
Overexerting yourself too soon can stretch the incisions, leading to widened scars.
3 – Wear Your Compression Garment
Support garments help reduce swelling and promote better healing, keeping tension off the incision sites.
Use Scar-Reducing Products
You should wait until your incisions are fully healed before applying any scar treatment products after breast augmentation. This typically takes about 2 to 3 weeks, but the exact timing depends on how well your skin is healing. Applying creams, oils, or silicone-based treatments too soon can increase the risk of infection or irritation if the incisions haven’t fully closed.
Dr. Morales recommends starting scar treatment once your incisions are completely sealed, dry and no longer scabbing—usually around 6 to 8 weeks post-surgery. At this point, you can begin using silicone-based scar gels or sheets, which are highly effective in flattening and fading scars over time.
He also advises massaging the scar gently (once approved), avoiding sun exposure, and following a customized scar care routine for the best long-term results. Always consult Dr. Morales before starting any scar treatment to ensure your skin is ready.
Consider Professional Treatments
For patients who want to take an extra step in minimizing scars, professional scar-reduction treatments can be an effective solution. These include:
Laser Therapy
Laser treatments help break down scar tissue and improve skin texture, reducing the prominence of surgical scars.
Microneedling
This treatment stimulates collagen production, which can help soften and fade scars over time.
Steroid Injections
If a patient develops thickened or raised scars (hypertrophic scars or keloids), steroid injections may help flatten and fade them.
PRP Therapy
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) uses the patient’s own growth factors to enhance healing and improve the appearance of scars.
Long-Term Scar Management
Even after your initial healing phase, ongoing care can further improve augmentation scar appearance over time. Here are some long-term scar management strategies:
- Silicone-based treatments are most effective when used consistently over a period of 9-12 months
- Massaging scars with a soft, circular motion can help break up scar tissue and improve flexibility
- Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants to promote better healing
- Avoid smoking because it restricts blood flow, delaying healing and increasing the risk of poor scar formation.
FAQs
What Is The Best Aftercare For Minimizing Breast Augmentation Scarring?
The best practices include keeping incision sites clean, avoiding excessive movement, wearing a compression garment, using silicone-based treatments, and protecting scars from the sun.
When Should I Consider Professional Treatments For Scars?
If your breast augmentation scars remain raised, darkened, or thickened beyond 6 to 12 months, Dr. Morales offers advanced scar reduction treatments like laser therapy and microneedling with PRP. For scars that are thicker or more prominent, steroid injections may help flatten and soften the tissue over time.
Do They Fade Over Time?
Yes, breast augmentation scars do fade over time, but the process varies for each individual. Initially, scars appear red or pink and may feel slightly raised. Over the next 6 to 12 months, the scars gradually lighten, flatten, and blend more with the surrounding skin.
Does Skin Type Impact Scarring?
Yes, skin type plays a role in how scars heal and fade after breast augmentation. For example, patients with an olive or medium complexion often experience scars that blend more naturally into their skin tone over time. Those with lighter skin tones may notice scars that fade to a pink or silvery hue, while individuals with darker skin tones may be more prone to hyperpigmentation or darker scars.
Why Choose Dr. Rolando Morales For Breast Augmentation
Dr. Rolando Morales, a board-certified plastic surgeon, specializes in cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. His commitment to excellence and patient care has earned him numerous accolades, including being consistently named a Top Doctor in Plastic Surgery and one of the Best Plastic Surgeons in the region. His dedication to meticulous planning and execution, combined with high patient satisfaction, has led to multiple Patient’s Choice Awards, making him a trusted choice in the Houston area.
If you are interested in learning more about your breast augmentation options, such as breast augmentation cost and recovery, connect with us today to begin your journey!
