The severity of breast augmentation scars is dependent upon several factors.
Scars are an inevitable element of any surgery and are a natural part of the healing process for skin. Several factors, including the location of the incision, the surgeon's technique and genetic factors, play a role in the degree of scarring a patient will experience. Surgery scars, while initially red and inflamed, generally fade over time as part of the natural healing process. However, there are several things a patient can do to prevent and treat severe scarring.
Location
The location of your scar is dependent upon the surgery method chosen. With breast augmentation surgery, the most common locations for incisions are around the areola, around the nipple, in the armpit area or on the underside of the breast tissue. Some breast augmentation techniques use an incision in the naval area to hide the scar.
Types
The types of adverse scarring associated with surgery include keloid scars and hypertrophic scars. Keloid scars are characterized by their thick, raised and reddened appearance and can occur when excess collagen is produced during the healing process. They often extend beyond the incision area as well. Hypertrophic scars are similar in appearance to keloid scars, but are distinguished by the fact that they do not extend beyond the area of the surgery incision.
Causes
The severity of scarring is affected by factors such as genetics, medical conditions, overall health, habits and a surgeon's technique. For example, individuals with dark skin tones are more prone to keloid and hypertrophic scarring. Also, individuals who are smokers don't heal as quickly, so avoiding smoking before and after surgery can help accelerate the healing process.
Prevention
A number of things can be done to prevent excessive scarring and promote healing. For example, by leaving the surgery tape over the incisions, the tension and pressure on the wound is minimized and scarring can be diminished. It is also a good idea to avoid activities that can lead to infections around the incision, such as submerging in bath water. Finally, avoid direct sunlight on the scarred area, including tanning beds, until the redness and inflammation is gone.
Treatment
Once the incision is no longer an open wound, there are several ways to treat surgery scars that will diminish the appearance. The treatment option is highly dependent upon the severity of the scars. For mild scarring, using over-the-counter scar creams in conjunction with tissue massages can reduce the collagen build up in the scar. Moderate scarring may require additional treatment, such as an injectable treatment or laser treatment. Sever scarring can be treated through scar-excision surgery, which surgically removes the scar tissue and provides another opportunity for the scar to heal properly.
