If you’re thinking about having a breast augmentation (augmentation mammoplasty), it’s natural that one of the questions that might come up early on is whether or not the procedure will leave visible scars.
Since a breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that involves making incisions in the skin, there will be some amount of scarring. However, the location of the incisions, how the skin heals, and the type of care taken post-surgery will all influence how the scars will look over time.
In this blog, we’ll go over the basics of where scarring usually occurs, what the healing process involves, and what you can generally expect in the long term.
Where the incisions are usually made for a breast augmentation
There are a few different incision options used during augmentation mammoplasty, and your surgeon will generally recommend the approach that best suits your body and implant choice.
One option is an incision placed in the crease beneath the breast, which is called the inframammary incision. The scar is often naturally hidden here. Another option is the periareolar incision, which is made around part of the areola (the skin around the nipple). A third, less commonly used method is the axillary incision, which involves placing the implant through an incision made under the arm.
Essentially, each method leaves a scar in a different location. As the incisions heal, scar tissue forms, and even though surgeons are careful about placement and technique, some degree of visible scarring is expected.
What scarring usually looks like as it heals
At first, the scar will typically appear raised, pink or red, and may feel a little firm to the touch. This is completely normal, especially in the first few weeks after surgery. The body produces collagen as part of the healing process, and that’s what causes the scar to feel thicker or harder at the start.
Over time, most scars go through a few noticeable stages. In the first three months or so, the scar might seem a bit more noticeable. It may darken or feel more raised. Then, usually over the next few months, it starts to fade in colour and flatten.
While most scars will fade significantly in the first 12 months, the process can take longer depending on individual healing factors, such as your skin tone, age, genetics, and how well the incision was cared for.
Some patients might find that their scars fade to a thin, pale line that blends well with the skin around it. Others may have more prominent scarring, particularly if they’re prone to developing keloids or hypertrophic scars. These are raised scars that don’t flatten out completely and may remain darker or thicker than the surrounding skin.
How the body heals after an augmentation mammoplasty
The body’s healing process after a breast augmentation will include adjusting to the breast implants, recovering from the tissue being affected and healing the incision sites.
When it comes to the incision sites, skin healing is a layered process, and it doesn’t just stop once the incision has closed. Beneath the surface, the body actually continues to repair and strengthen the tissue.
For the best chance at minimising visible scarring, it’s important that you follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions carefully. This will often include advice about how to clean the area, what kind of support bra to wear, and when to return for check-ups. You may also be given scar care recommendations, such as silicone gel or tape, depending on your surgeon’s approach.
It’s also common to experience swelling around the incision sites, especially during the first few weeks. This swelling can make the scars appear more noticeable early on, but it’s not a sign of a problem – it’s simply part of the body’s response to surgery. As the swelling goes down, the scars tend to flatten and become less obvious.
The factors that can influence the visibility of scarring
There are quite a few factors that can influence how your scars will look in the long run. One of the biggest ones is genetics, as some patients may simply be more prone to scarring than others.
Sun exposure is another factor to keep in mind. New scars are more sensitive to UV rays, and exposing them to direct sunlight can cause them to darken. That’s why it’s generally recommended that you avoid excessive exposure to the sun during the early stages of healing. Even with clothing over the area, UV can sometimes get through, so wearing sunscreen is also important once your incisions are fully closed.
The way your body heals after the procedure, in general, is another important factor. If there are any complications, such as infection or wound separation, this can sometimes increase the likelihood of more prominent scarring. That’s one of the reasons that good aftercare and rest during the healing period matters. Looking after the area well will give your skin the best chance to recover without encountering any issues that could worsen scarring.
Another factor is your surgeon’s approach to the procedure. An experienced surgeon will pay attention to incision techniques to try and minimise visible scarring. The angle and depth of the incision, how the tissues are handled during surgery, and how the wound is closed all contribute to how the scar forms. For example, usually, surgeons will aim to place the incisions in areas that are less likely to stretch with movement.
Dr Charles Cope: Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Sydney and North Shore
If you’re considering augmentation mammoplasty and want to understand more about what to expect from the healing process, including how scars may form and change over time, it’s a good idea to speak with a surgeon who can walk you through the specifics.
Based in Sydney and North Shore, Dr Cope is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon who will be able to assess your skin, talk you through incision options, and provide tailored advice for how to care for your scars during recovery.
Please feel free to get in touch with our team to book your consultation with Dr Cope.
