How to Avoid or Reduce Breast Augmentation Scars

Breast AugmentationIn Manhattan, breast augmentation is chosen by women for different reasons such as to enhance breast volume, correct breasts that differ in size and shape, and reshape the breasts and make them firmer and rounder. Though a popular procedure, breast augmentation scars trouble many women. Patients often ask how they can minimize or avoid scarring and still achieve their desired breast augmentation results.

Scarring after any plastic surgery is the body’s natural way to heal an open wound or cut. There is the possibility of scarring, whenever the skin undergoes damage especially if it’s a surgery. Similarly, breast augmentation surgery would also result in some level of scarring which may develop along the incision sites in the form of firm, pink scar tissue or around the breast implant itself (capsular contracture) that later may fade closer in tone with the rest of the skin. You cannot avoid having a scar after this surgery but can reduce the appearance of scar tissue making the scar less noticeable. So, before going for an augmentation procedure, make sure that you understand that any scarring resulting after surgery is permanent and cannot be removed through plastic surgery or any other means. However, most scars would fade and flatten overtime.

You can improve the scarring from breast augmentation procedure by taking into consideration the following factors:

Choose a trained and experienced plastic surgeon:

Even though scarring is unavoidable, a skilled and well-trained plastic surgeon can make any potential scarring less noticeable by creating cleaner incisions that heal more easily. They can prevent unnecessary scars with proper surgical planning, (incision size and placement), precise and gentle surgical technique (to minimize tissue trauma), and advanced suturing techniques (limiting tension on the skin) to close your incisions unnoticeably. So before proceeding for the procedure, see if you are heading to the right surgeon, ask him/her a few questions to make sure that you are having the best breast augmentation procedure.

Incision options

Plastic surgeons use different types of incisions and techniques to augment the breast using implants.  Implants may be placed through an incision in the armpit, at the edge of the areola, or under the breast. An incision made within the normal crease of the armpit (transaxillary incision) usually carries no risk of scarring. This approach is the best way to hide the scars, and the scar in the armpit heals over time and it undetectable to the naked eye. Compared to breast augmentation, breast lift NYC may result in more scarring, however a good plastic surgeon can help minimize scarring by using the appropriate technique. Considering various factors such as body type, quality and amount of natural breast tissue, breast implant type, size, and placement, whether you need a breast lift, personal preference for scar location and your expectations, the plastic surgeon will decide on the right incision option for you.

Genetics

Genetics plays a major role in how your scars are forming. Some people are genetically inclined to heavy scarring. You may find yourself at a higher risk of scarring complications if one or both of your parents suffer from scarring. If you have experienced such noticeable scarring in the past after a surgical procedure or injury, then inform your plastic surgeon as it is important. This helps the surgeon to recommend a non-surgical procedure if any, that can be as effective as an invasive procedure to make it easier for your body to recover without any visible scars.

Pre- and post-operative care

You can reduce breast augmentation scars and healing time by following your plastic surgeon’s instructions carefully prior to surgery and after surgery. Your surgeon may instruct you to avoid certain medications (such as ibuprofen and aspirin, herbal supplements), and quit smoking. After surgery, you will be asked to take proper care of the wound for a few days or weeks. According to an article from LIVESTRONG.COM, the American Academy of Dermatology says that silicone bandages and sheetings can actually reduce the thickness of scars. For better results, they recommend using it daily. Some other recommendations such as applying a cortisone cream, pressure bandages, going for skin resurfacing treatments and massaging your scars (helps to soften the scar tissue and improves circulation to the scarred skin), can make the scarring less noticeable.

Diet

After the incision has healed properly, supplement your diet with vitamin E. This vitamin is believed to have the capability of reducing the scar tissue that may form around the breast implant. Proper dosage of the vitamin E supplement will be determined after surgery. Other than vitamin E, vitamin C also has scar-fading properties. Consume plenty of Vitamin C, which guards against infection and helps to heal wounds through collagen production and antioxidants.

By considering all these facts, you can minimize and to some extent avoid scarring from your breast augmentation procedure. If you are considering breast augmentation in Manhattan, find an AAAASF-accredited plastic surgery center that offers the service of trained and experienced plastic surgeons. A reliable plastic surgeon can minimize the appearance of scars that may result from the procedure.