Healing Scars After Breast Augmentation Surgery

Scarring is a natural part of the healing process after breast augmentation surgery. While incisions are placed in less noticeable areas to minimise visibility, the way scars heal can vary depending on several factors. Proper wound care and scar management strategies can help support healing and reduce the appearance of breast augmentation scars over time.

How Scars Form After Breast Augmentation

Scars are an inevitable outcome of breast augmentation, as the procedure involves incisions and tissue manipulation. As the body repairs the skin, scars develop in the area. The healing process involves the production of collagen, which strengthens the incision site. Initially, scars may appear red or raised but typically undergo a maturation process where they change in colour, soften, and become less prominent over time. The final appearance of scars depends on individual healing responses, skin type, and how well post-operative care instructions are followed.

Incision Placement and Scar Visibility

The location of surgical incisions influences scar placement and visibility. Common incision sites include:

• Inframammary Fold (Under the Breast): The most common incision, hidden in the natural crease beneath the breast.
• Periareolar (Around the Nipple): Placed along the edge of the areola, where it blends with natural pigmentation.
• Transaxillary (Underarm): An incision made in the armpit to avoid scarring on the breast.

Each technique is selected based on patient preferences, anatomical considerations, and the practitioner’s recommendation.

Stages of Scar Healing

Scars go through several healing stages, such as:

• Inflammatory Stage (First Few Weeks): During this stage, the incision site may appear red, swollen, or slightly raised as the body initiates the healing process. The immune system works to repair the tissue, and discomfort or sensitivity around the incision is common.
• Proliferative Stage (Weeks to Months): The body produces new collagen, and scars may thicken or darken before they start to change in colour, texture, and appearance. Blood vessels in the area may contribute to a darker or more pronounced scar during this period.
• Maturation Stage (Up to a Year or More): The scars soften, flatten, and become less noticeable during this stage, although the timeline varies between individuals. Collagen fibres realign, and the scar tissue gradually strengthens as healing progresses.

Patients should follow post-operative care instructions to support the healing process and reduce scar visibility after breast augmentation. Most importantly, patients should attend regular follow-up visits with the practitioner to allow for monitoring of scar development and adjustments to scar management if needed.

Factors that Affect Scar Healing

Several factors influence how scars heal, including:

• Genetics: Some patients are more prone to raised scars or keloids due to genetic factors that cause the skin to produce excess collagen during the healing process.
• Skin Type and Pigmentation: Darker skin tones may be more likely to develop darker scars after healing because the skin produces more melanin in response to injury, which can make the scars more noticeable.
• Incision Care: Keeping incisions clean and following care instructions can aid healing by preventing infection and reducing inflammation, which helps the skin repair itself more effectively.
• Tension on the Wound: Excessive movement or strain on incisions can affect scar formation because it can pull the wound apart or delay healing, leading to wider or more noticeable scars.
• Smoking and Nutrition: Smoking can delay healing by reducing blood flow and oxygen to the tissues, while proper nutrition supports tissue repair by providing essential vitamins and proteins needed for collagen production.

Post-Operative Scar Care and Management

After breast augmentation, patients will be provided with specific aftercare instructions to support healing and reduce scar visibility. These include the following:

• Keep the incision clean and dry to prevent infection.
• Avoid direct sun exposure and use sunscreen to prevent the darkening of scars.
• Apply silicone gel or sheets, as recommended, to soften and flatten the scars.
• Massage the scar gently after the wound has fully healed to help soften and flatten the scar.
• Wear post-surgical bras to reduce tension on the incision sites and provide adequate support to the healing breast tissues.
• Avoid strenuous activities to prevent significant tension on the incision sites.

When to Seek Medical Advice About Scars

While some redness and firmness are expected in the first few days after breast augmentation, patients should seek medical advice if they observe any of the following:

• Excessive redness, swelling, or pain, which may indicate an infection
• Thickened, raised, or keloid scars that do not soften over time
• Widened or stretched breast augmentation scars due to excessive movement

At Vie by Fraser-Kirk, patients receive ongoing follow-up care to monitor healing and address any concerns related to scarring. Regular check-ups allow for the assessment of scar development, ensuring that any necessary interventions are considered early in the recovery process.

Reasons to Choose Vie by Fraser-Kirk for Breast Augmentation Surgery on the Sunshine Coast

Dr Grant Fraser-Kirk is a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon with extensive experience in breast surgery, including augmentation with implants. His training includes microsurgical and reconstructive techniques, with experience gained through fellowships at Guys and St Thomas Hospital and Kings College in London. His background in breast reconstruction surgery allows him to approach breast augmentation with a detailed understanding of implant placement, tissue considerations, and long-term outcomes. Patients considering breast augmentation on the Sunshine Coast QLD will receive detailed information from Dr Fraser-Kirk on surgical options, implant choices, and factors that may influence the procedure during their consultation.

Scarring is a key consideration for patients undergoing breast augmentation, and Dr Fraser-Kirk provides guidance on incision placement, wound care, and post-operative management to support the healing process. To minimise scar visibility, incisions are carefully placed in less noticeable locations, such as the inframammary fold or around the areola. During follow-up consultations, he assesses scar development and provides recommendations for scar care, including the use of silicone-based treatments, sun protection, and massage techniques to help change scar texture and appearance over time.

At Vie by Fraser-Kirk on the Sunshine Coast QLD, patient education extends beyond the surgery itself, with a focus on long-term outcomes and care. Dr Fraser-Kirk ensures that patients are informed about the natural healing process, what to expect at each stage of scar maturation, and when additional treatments may be considered for prominent scarring. By providing structured follow-up assessments and personalised care, he assists patients throughout their recovery while addressing concerns related to scarring and long-term breast implant care.