How to Reduce Scars after Breast Surgery?

Posted on 11/13/2017 by Michael James

Scars on the breasts can occur from a biopsy, lumpectomy, mastectomy or implants. There are many different types of scars and each scar can appear pink or red in color as well as thick or bumpy. Patients must also understand the trauma inflicted on the tissue, during a surgical procedure, can also create scarring on the inside. While scarring on the outside will fade over time, the fibrous tissue on the inside may cause lumpiness, tightness or discomfort. However, there are some ways to reduce scarring on the breasts that patients can discuss with their doctor.

Surgical scar after breast surgery

Silicone Treatments

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, silicone-based bandages or sheeting can reduce the density of a scar. However, this treatment should be used daily for best results. Silicone creams and gels may also be beneficial to treat scar tissue and may be easier to apply on the breasts.

Scar Tissue Massage

Approximately 2 weeks after breast surgery, or when the incisions have healed, patients may begin massaging the scar tissue with lotion, oils or creams. Scar tissue massage can help remove built-up collagen from the surgical site for a flatter, more flexible scar. Scar massaging also alleviates lumpiness and the itchy sensation most scars have. Apply gentle pressure with two or more fingers along the scar, and in the surrounding areas, to see the best results.

Cortisone Treatments

Daily use of cortisone cream or creams containing cortisone can help shrink the size of a scar. However, the wound should be fully healed before using this type of topical medication.

Pressure Bandages

The American Academy of Dermatology states that using pressure bandages can help flatten hypertrophic scars. However, this method also requires daily use and can take several months before results are seen.

Vitamin E

Taking a daily supplement of vitamin E may help to reduce the amount of scar tissue that can form around the implant. Its powerful antioxidant abilities can repair damaged skin and fight inflammation. Vitamin E can also be found in certain oils, grains, nuts and wheat germ. It can also be found in liquid form and/or many skin care creams.

Avoid the Sun

Avoid sun exposure to new scars since the UV rays can slow the healing process and cause a dark discoloration. Furthermore, the new skin is extremely sensitive and can burn easily. Therefore, patients should apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher whenever going outdoors.

Laser Therapy

If a scar does not heal properly, patients may be able to reduce a scar via laser treatment. Laser therapy works by removing the outer layers of skin to promote new cell growth and a smoother texture.

Surgically Removed

Deep scarring, which cannot be remedied with tissue massage or other methods, may need to be surgically removed. Scar tissue that becomes so bad that it squeezes the implant and causes pain, or a shifting of the implant, is called capsular contracture. The surgeon will need to excise the scar tissue and may need to replace the implant.

Removing Surgery Scars on the Breasts

Posted on 07/05/2016 by Michael James

Scarring after breast surgery. Patients who had surgery to increase their breast size, reduce their breast size or have undergone a mastectomy will normally see some scarring from the procedure. With most breast augmentation techniques, the scars may not be easily seen due to the fact that they are hidden beneath the bikini line.

Breast surgery incisions are usually made around the nipple, in the armpit or within the inframammary fold. The inframammary fold, or the natural fold below the breast, is the most popular technique as it provides many benefits. However, even incisions made in this region will divulge a scar when lying down. Many prospective patients are not necessarily concerned with the procedure itself but are more worried about the appearance of scars afterward.

Since each person heals differently, how well the skin heals is an important factor for the final appearance and severity of the scar. Even so, there are some methods which can be used to improve or remove scars on the breast.

Silicone gel treatments

Scarring on the breast tissue can be treated with silicone gel treatments. Simply paint the gel mixture onto the scar and leave it on. Some brands of silicone gel treatments are Scar Fade and ScarGuard. Talk to your doctor about what type of gel treatment he or she recommends.

Allium cepa

Scars need hydration to heal and patients can hydrate the scars using an ointment which contains Allium cepa. Allium cepa is extracted from onions and reduces the inflammation and redness of scars. Mederma is one brand of ointment which contains these scar reducing properties.

Rosehip oil

Apply rosehip oil every night before bed by massaging the oil into the scar site. After applying the oil, wear loose clothing to allow the oil to penetrate the skin. Continue this method for 2 to 3 months in order to fade the scar drastically.

SPF

Although scarring from breast surgery is generally covered by a bikini, any visible scarring such as the armpit should be treated with SPF sunscreen whenever going out in the sun. The sun can play a negative role in how noticeable your scars will appear. In addition, the sun can darken a scar long after it heals and this is especially true in people who already have a darker skin tone.

Laser Therapy

At times, scars from breast surgery can heal poorly and undergoing concentrated heat via laser therapy can remove prominent scars. In extreme cases, an additional surgery to excise the scar might be required. Be sure to learn about all the risks and benefits of these procedures beforehand.

Making the decision to have breast augmentation can be an easy one for some people and difficult for others. Patients should talk to their doctor about any concerns and medical issues and also follow all recommended instructions and restrictions. A well informed patient who follows instructions can be the key to a successful breast augmentation procedure as well as any scars healing nicely and being nearly undetectable.

-SP

Lollipop Breast Lift

Posted on 10/20/2015 by Michael James

Lollipop Incision A breast lift surgery, otherwise known as mastopexy, is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures for the breast. Women find it an effective method of restoring the youthful appearance of their breasts. By adjusting the position of the breasts into a higher position, this procedure reduces sagging and makes the curves of the upper body look more defined.

There are many reasons why women want to undergo a breast lift. Some do it because they want tighter and fuller-looking breasts while others are simply bothered by sagging. Sagging of the breasts is usually a result of the aging process as well as giving birth and having children. One thing patients don’t want is the scarring associated with a breast lift. Thankfully, breast lifts are available with different techniques to suit the patient’s needs. One of the most popular among these techniques is the lollipop breast lift which is said to be an excellent compromise between the amount of incisions needed and the effectiveness.

A lollipop breast lift, AKA the vertical lift, is a cosmetic procedure that aims to reshape the breasts without changing its volume. The name “lollipop” is used to describe the incisions used for the procedure. They include a vertical incision that runs from the bottom of the breast to the nipple where a circular incision is made around it. This allows greater flexibility and adaptability while keeping the incisions to a minimum and not as visible as incisions used with other breast lift surgeries. Lollipop breast lift improves the appearance of a droopy breast by allowing it to have a more rounded shaped that looks fuller and more youthful.

Other than a lollipop lift, breast lift surgeries can also be performed using two other incision techniques: Benelli lift and anchor lift.

The Benelli lift, also called the periareolar or donut incision, is performed by creating an incision around the areola only. It is the best option for cases that require very minimal lift.

The anchor technique, also known as the keyhole or inverted T incision, involves a vertical incision from the nipple down to the bottom of the breast much like a lollipop incision. The second incision is created horizontally and runs along the breast fold, thereby creating a distinctive anchor pattern for which the technique is named.

The lollipop technique offers better results than a Benelli incision. The lollipop can also be performed without the extensive incisions required in an anchor incision. In general, the technique used to perform a breast lift depends on how low the breasts have sagged and how much tissue needs to be repositioned or removed. The lollipop breast lift technique is recommended in cases of mild to moderate sagging that requires a minimal amount of surgical correction. Women in their 30s and 40s who have had children are usually the ideal candidates for a lollipop breast lift.

A lollipop breast lift moderately elevates the nipple, reduces the size of the areola and removes excess skin with less noticeable scarring. The scar fully heals after about six months to one year. Recovery is also faster since the wound created is small. The typical recovery period is only one month.

The results of a lollipop breast lift can last for up to 10 years. The need for a follow-up procedure depends on the size of the breast or if the patient has had implants. For very minimal adjustments, the Benelli lift is usually performed. On the other hand, larger adjustments call for the anchor breast lift.

The lollipop breast lift is one of the most common breast lift procedures. Patients considering a lollipop breast lift should first consult with a plastic surgeon experienced in performing the procedure.