Breast lift scars: Appearance, Treatment and Healing Time

Getting a breast lift can make you feel really good about how you look. But it’s also good to know what to expect afterwards. You might have some marks, known as scars, from where the doctor did the surgery. It can also take some time for your body to get better.

This article is about the scars from a breast lift surgery – what they look like, how to make them less noticeable, and how long it takes to get better. We’re sharing this information to help you understand what might happen if you get this kind of surgery..

What are breast lift scars?

Breast lift marks come from a special kind of surgery that helps to make sagging breasts look more perky and shapely. Usually, these marks are found around the colored part of your breast (areola), going down the breast, and where the breast folds. How these marks look can change based on a few things – like how your body heals, how the doctor did the surgery, and how well you take care of yourself afterwards. Some people might have marks that are hard to see, while others might have marks that are easier to notice. But, if you take good care of the marks and give them time, they often become lighter and less easy to see.

Factors	Description
Breast Lift	A surgical procedure to lift and reshape sagging breasts
Location	Scars typically appear around the areola, down the breast, and across the breast crease
Appearance	Appearance varies from person to person and can fade over time with appropriate care

How long do breast lift scars take to heal?

The healing process for breast lift scars can vary significantly from person to person. Generally, the incisions take about 1-2 weeks to heal. However, the scars may take up to a year or more to fully mature and fade.

During this time, following your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions is crucial. This can include avoiding sun exposure, refraining from strenuous activities, and applying topical treatments as recommended.

Can breast lift scars be prevented?

While it’s impossible to prevent scarring after a breast lift completely, you can take steps to minimise their appearance. This includes following your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and using scar reduction treatments.

However, it’s essential to have realistic expectations. Scarring is a natural part of the healing process, and some degree of scarring should be expected after any surgical procedure.

• Prevention: Not entirely; scars are a natural part of the surgery.
• Management: Proper care and treatment can minimise visibility.

What are the treatment options for my breast lift scars? 

There are several effective treatment options for breast lift scars, which can aid in their healing and reduce their visibility:

• Topical Treatments: Certain creams, gels, and ointments are designed to help reduce scar tissue and improve the scar’s appearance.

• Silicone Sheets or Tape: These non-invasive treatments can be applied to the scar area to help flatten and fade scars over time.

• Steroid Injections: For hypertrophic or keloid scars, steroid injections can help to reduce inflammation and slow the production of scar tissue.

• Laser Therapy: Laser treatment can improve the colour and texture of scars, making them less noticeable.

• Microdermabrasion: This type of skin resurfacing technique can help reduce the visibility of scars.

• Surgery: In severe cases, another surgical procedure may be necessary to remove excess scar tissue and improve the appearance of the scar.

Treatment Option	Benefits	Risks
Topical Treatments	Non-invasive, easy to use, can soften and reduce scar appearance.	May cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some people, but its effectiveness varies.
Silicone Sheets or Tape	Can flatten and fade scars over time, non-invasive.	May cause skin irritation, but adherence to the treatment regime is necessary for results.
Steroid Injections	Can effectively reduce inflammation and slow scar tissue production, beneficial for hypertrophic or keloid scars.	May lead to skin thinning or discolouration at the injection site, and effectiveness can vary.
Laser Therapy	Can improve the colour and texture of scars, results can be long-lasting.	Can be expensive, may require multiple treatments, and temporary redness or swelling may occur.
Microdermabrasion	Can help to reduce the visibility of scars and improves overall skin texture.	May cause skin redness and sensitivity, not suitable for all types of scars; multiple sessions are required.
Surgery	Can significantly improve scar appearance by removing excess scar tissue.	Invasive comes with surgical risks such as infection, new scars may form.

Do breast lift scars fade over time?

Yes, breast lift scars do fade over time. However, the rate at which they fade can vary significantly from person to person. Factors such as age, skin type, and how well you care for the scar can all influence how quickly and effectively your scars fade.

While waiting for scars to fade can be frustrating, remember that this is a gradual process. With patience and proper care, most people find their scars less noticeable over time.

Stages	Breast Lift Scars Healing
Initial (1-2 weeks)	Scars form, red and raised.
Intermediate (2-12 weeks)	Scars may darken, still raised.
Late (3-12 months)	Scars lighten, flatten, and mature.
Long-term (1 year+)	Scars fade and become less visible.

Scars from a breast lift can change depending on the person and the type of surgery. There are many ways to help these marks heal and make them less visible, like creams or more special treatments like lasers. Talking to your doctor to decide on the best and safest way is important.

Reach out to Dr Tarek Bayazid, one of Dubai’s leading plastic surgeons, renowned for his remarkable work in facial rejuvenation and body contouring. Dr Tarek holds an MD from Belgrade University and completed his plastic surgery residency at the Clinical Center of Serbia. 

He has trained under many eminent European plastic surgeons and is an esteemed International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) member. He proudly holds licenses from the Serbian Medical Chamber and Dubai Health Authority (DHA). Trust Dr Tarek Bayazid to guide you safely and expertly along your aesthetic journey.

Don’t let your concerns about breast lift scars hold you back. Book a consultation with Dr Tarek Bayazid today to discuss your treatment options and take your first step towards embracing the new you.

See related: Vacuum Therapy for Breast Lifting

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