Why Scars Form After Breast Augmentation
Because surgery is something that we do on purpose, we tend to think of it as a repair or improvement rather than an injury. Cutting into the body technically creates an injury, however, whether the cut is an accident or an intentional part of a surgery. Scarring is a natural part of the body’s healing process and, although they will fade over time, you will have scars after a breast augmentation for this reason. Exactly how these scars look and where they are will depend on the type of incision your plastic surgeon must make, your skin type, and how the healing process progresses.
Types of Breast Augmentation Incisions and Scars
Your plastic surgeon has several options when it comes to the placement of your breast augmentation incisions. The one they choose will depend on your needs, goals, concerns, and anatomy. Of course, incision placement impacts scar location, so it’s definitely something you want to discuss during your consultation. Scar placement options generally include:
Inframammary Incision (Under the Breast)
- Most common; scar hidden in the natural breast fold
- Scar length 4-5 cm
- Scar is initially pink/red, fading to white or skin tone over time
Periareolar Incision (Around the Nipple)
- Scar blends with the natural color transition of the nipple
- May cause nipple sensitivity changes
- Higher risk of wider scars if healing is disrupted
Transaxillary Incision (Armpit)
- No scars on the breast itself; scar is hidden in the armpit crease
- Scar may be more noticeable during arm movements
Transumbilical Incision (Belly Button)
- Rare
- Hides the scar in the belly button
- Higher risk of implant positioning issues due to distance from the breast
Breast Augmentation Scar Healing Timeline
Differences in people mean differences in the way the body heals after surgery. Your skin tone, skin type, and the complexity of your breast augmentation can all affect how and when your scars heal. How strictly you follow your post-op care instructions can also make a difference. Although your experience may deviate from this a bit, the general timeline for scar fading is as follows:
First 2 Weeks: Initial Healing
- Incisions finish healing and scars begin to form
- Scars appear red, raised, and swollen with mild itching
Weeks 3-8: Scar Maturation Begins
- Scars slowly begin to flatten and lighten but still appear pink or purple
- Silicone sheets or gels are often introduced during this phase
Months 2-6: Noticeable Improvement
- Scars continue to fade and become less noticeable
- Some patients may experience scar tissue lumps that resolve with massage or steroid treatments if needed
After 1 Year: Final Appearance
- Scars are usually thin, flat, and lighter than surrounding skin
- Darker-skinned patients may develop hyperpigmentation or keloids
Factors That Affect Breast Augmentation Scarring
It’s important to discuss your concerns about scar appearance and placement during your consultation appointment. We cannot stress enough that every person is different, making it vital to get personalized answers to your questions about breast augmentation scars. Understanding the factors that impact scarring can help you formulate the best possible questions, making it easier to get the answers you need.
Incision Type and Placement
The placement of your incisions will, of course, determine the location of your scar. Patients are sometimes surprised to learn that it can also impact how your incision heals and scars. The more tension that is placed on a scar, the longer it takes to fade. Inframammary incisions heal the best because there is very little movement and tension in the breast crease. Periareolar and transaxillary scars take longer to fade as they are located in areas of high friction and stretching.
Skin Type and Genetics
You can’t change your DNA, but it can change how scars impact you. People with darker skin tones are more likely to develop keloids and hypertrophic scars. Your genetics can also influence how visible your scars tend to be and how quickly they heal. Even though you can’t change your genes, it’s important to know as much about your family history as you can and be aware of how it might impact the way your scars look after breast augmentation surgery.
Post-Surgical Care
When it comes to genetics, you and your plastic surgeon will have to work together to play the hand you’ve been dealt. You do, however, have total control over how you take care of yourself after your surgery. Keeping your incisions clean and dry, avoiding exposing them to the sun, and following other post-op care instructions after your breast augmentation will go a long way toward minimizing your scars. The reverse is also true. Smoking, excessive movement, inadequate hydration, and other poor self-care practices can make scarring worse.
How to Minimize Breast Augmentation Scars
Now that we’ve outlined how important it is to take proper care of your scars, it’s only fair that we explain how. To help ensure the best possible outcome, we encourage you to:
- Use silicone scar treatments starting two to three weeks after your surgery to hydrate scars, soften them, and reduce redness.
- Learn and utilize scar massage techniques to help break down scar tissue.
- Keep your scars out of the sun or use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more for a year after your surgery.
- Stay well-hydrated.
- Eat a healthy diet high in vitamins C and E to promote skin healing.
If you’re unhappy with your scars, discuss treatment options like laser therapy, microneedling, and steroid injections with your plastic surgeon. Mia Aesthetics does not provide these services but is happy to offer recommendations based on your concerns. If your scars are still worrisome six months or more after surgery, please don’t assume you are simply stuck with them. You do have treatment options.
Recap & Next Steps
Breast augmentation scars are normal and expected but can be minimized with proper aftercare, including silicone treatments, sun protection, and scar massage. You will need to be patient, however, as scars take six to 12 months to fade. The best way to get personalized advice about post-op scarring is to schedule a free virtual consultation.