Reclaiming a perky and youthful look for your chest is possible with breast lift surgery. This surgical approach involves lifting sagging breasts to give them new contours. It can also be combined with breast implants or areola reduction, depending on the patient’s desired outcome.
While breast lift scars are inevitable, there are ways to manage and reduce its visibility. In this guide, we will reveal how you can take proactive steps in minimising your scars after surgery as well as provide information regarding the different stages of recovery and types of resulting scars associated with a breast lift.
Causes of Breast Lift Scars
After 6 months, breast lift scars will be much less visible than right after the surgery and will keep healing. Some patients wonder what their healed one-year breast lift scar looks like – most of them are pleasantly surprised to find out that it’s drastically improved! The scar fades over time as your body continues to heal itself.
Everyone’s scars heal differently, and the type of skin you have can be a critical factor. Generally speaking, those with Skin Type 1—the palest on the scale—are more likely to develop less visible scarring after mastopexy surgery while those with darker-toned Skin Types (especially type 6) may encounter higher degrees of scar formation as they heal.
Individuals more prone to keloid scars include those at the upper end of the Skin Type Scale, people with a family history of such scarring (genetic component), and individuals between 20-30 years old. Therefore, it’s crucial that you inform your surgeon about any family background connected to keloid scars before going ahead with the surgery.
Types of Scars
A breast lift can leave you with a variety of scars, including the lollipop scarring which is most popular for those needing moderate lifting. Other types include donut, anchor and crescent-shaped marks that may also appear after surgery.
Fortunately, you can minimise the risk of abnormal scars with proper scar management. To ensure your incisions heal correctly and reduce their visibility, there are certain steps that should be taken before surgery as well as during recovery.
Prevention of Breast Lift Scars
To keep your body and health in top condition, make sure to refrain from smoking, consume a healthy and balanced diet, stay at an ideal weight for you, as well as steer clear of UV rays that can damage the skin.
Breast Lift Recovery: Understanding the Healing Process
While the recovery period following breast lift and augmentation may vary from person to person, there are some commonalities that one should expect. It is typical to experience discomfort, swelling, and bruising for a few days post-surgery. Your surgeon will provide helpful instructions on how best to manage any pain or inflammation as well as offer medications if needed.
Timeline of Breast Lift Recovery
You might anticipate a few bruises, swelling and tape on the incision sites. Also, you should wear a compression bra for extra support. After being given general anaesthesia, it’s not unusual to feel dizzy and exhausted; therefore having someone drive you home and support you after surgery is vital within the first 24 hours post-op.
Tips for Faster Recovery
Stay away from wearing an underwire bra for about three months since the incision is located where it falls and can cause irritation or complications. To further decrease inflammation, you may use ice packs. Keep taking medication as needed in order to manage pain levels properly. Finally, avoid any strenuous exercise until authorized by your surgeon.
FAQs
Is It Normal for My Breast Lift Scars to Be Red After Surgery?
This is a natural reaction of your body to the incision. As time passes, breast lift scars will become less visible and their colour will diminish. The raised scar should also start to flatten out over time.
How Long Will It Take for My Breast Lift Scars to Fade?
Gradually, scars will begin to lighten in colour and become less noticeable. During this time it is essential that you protect them from the sun’s harsh rays as ultraviolet exposure increases the likelihood of discolouration or darkening of scar tissue. For scars to fade to barely noticeable it can take up to a year to see the end results.
What Treatments Can Be Used to Improve The Appearance of Breast Lift Scars?
Your surgeon can suggest a number of creams, the most popular option being silicone gels.
Are you trying to minimize the amount of scarring after a breast lift? By following our simple steps, reducing scars left behind by your procedure is achievable.
