A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure designed to raise and reshape the breasts. Over time, factors like ageing, pregnancy, and weight changes can cause breast ptosis (sagging), volume loss, and a descent of the nipples below the breast crease. Dr Turner, a Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Sydney with a clinic in Manly, offers a variety of breast lift procedures to achieve your aesthetic goals.
While the results of a breast lift can be dramatic, many patients have concerns about scarring. Although some degree of scarring is inevitable, there are effective strategies to reduce their visibility and achieve discreet results. This guide will provide insights into pre- and post-surgery care, advanced treatments, and realistic expectations to help you minimise scars after a breast lift.
Understanding Breast Lift Scars
During a breast lift, Dr Turner carefully removes excess skin and repositions the breast tissue to achieve your desired shape. Scars are a natural part of the process, and their location depends on the surgical technique used:
- Anchor Incision: Ideal for significant reshaping, this technique involves a circular scar around the areola, a vertical scar to the breast crease, and a horizontal scar along the crease.
- Lollipop Incision: This option uses a circular scar around the areola and a vertical scar to the breast crease, suitable for moderate lifts.
- Donut Incision: Perfect for minor lifts, this technique involves a single circular scar around the areola.
Scarring depends on factors such as skin type, genetics, and how well you care for your incisions during the healing process. With the right approach, scars often fade significantly over time.
Pre-Surgery Tips to Minimise Scarring
Preparing your skin and body before surgery can significantly impact your recovery and scar healing. Dr Turner recommends:
- Experience: Selecting a qualified plastic surgeon, like Dr Turner, ensures precise incision placement and meticulous wound closure, which are critical to minimising scars.
- Hydration: Keep your skin well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water and using moisturisers.
- Smoking Cessation: Smoking and vaping reduce blood flow and impairs wound healing. You need to commit to quitting at least six weeks before surgery.
- Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals promotes healthy skin and optimal healing.
- Medications: Dr Turner will provide guidelines to prepare for surgery, including which medications to avoid prior to surgery.
Caring for Your Scars After Surgery
After surgery, sterile dressings or bandages will be applied to the breast to protect the wounds. Once you return home, carefully adhere to the post-operative instructions provided by Dr Turner. Keeping the incision sites clean and dry is crucial, use mild soap and water to gently cleanse the area as directed and then pat dry with a clean towel. Preventing infection is critical for minimising the visibility of scars, as infections can disrupt the healing process and lead to more noticeable scars, such as hypertrophic scars or keloids.
Wearing a supportive surgical bra or compression garment is another key step in scar management. These garments reduce tension on the incision sites, helping to prevent scars from stretching or widening. Additionally, they provide essential support to the breasts, promote stability, and aid in reducing swelling, which contributes to overall healing and improved scar outcomes.
Silicone Scar Treatment
Silicone sheets or gels reduce the appearance of scars by hydrating the scar tissue and regulating collagen production which helps modify the appearance of scars by softening and flattening them. Silicone sheets are typically worn continuously for 5 days at a time, while silicone gel can be applied directly to the scar 3 times a day. You should keep in mind that these products can only be used after the incision has fully closed.
Scar Massage
Scar massage can help reduce the appearance of scars by breaking down dense collagen fibres and improving blood circulation in the area. When performing scar massage, make sure your hands are clean, and you are using a suitable moisturiser or silicone gel. Massaging the scar tissue regularly can help prevent the formation of thick, raised scars.
Protect Scars from Sun Exposure
Ultraviolet (UV) rays can darken scars and make them more noticeable. To protect scars, apply a physical sunblock (such as one containing zinc) or wear protective clothing when outdoors. Scars are most vulnerable to pigmentation changes during the first year after surgery, so consistent sun protection is essential throughout this critical healing phase.
Advanced Treatments for Scar Minimisation
If scars remain prominent despite following all of Dr Turner’s postoperative instructions, there are several advanced treatments that can help improve their appearance.
Laser
There are various laser options available that are highly effective option for improving the appearance of scars by:
- Targeting discolouration: Can help reduce redness or pigmentation, resulting in a more even skin tone.
- Reducing thickness: Fractional lasers can resurface the skin, removing the outer layers of scar tissue and encouraging collagen remodelling.
- Smoothing texture: By promoting new collagen production, lasers can help refine the skin’s surface, making scars less noticeable.
The number of sessions required varies depending on the scar’s size, depth, and age.
Microneedling
Microneedling involves creating controlled micro-injuries in the skin using very fine, sterile needles. This process stimulates the body’s natural healing mechanisms, promoting the production of new collagen and elastin. Benefits include:
- Enhanced collagen production: This helps fill in and smooth out scar tissue, improving texture and reducing visible scarring.
- Improved product absorption: After microneedling, topical products (e.g., growth factors, serums) can penetrate more effectively, further supporting scar healing.
Results typically become more apparent over time with multiple sessions, as each treatment builds on the collagen-stimulating effects of the previous one.
Medical-Grade Tattoo
Medical-grade tattooing is specifically designed to match the scarred area to your surrounding skin tone. Key points include:
- Concealment of discolouration: Pigments are carefully selected and blended to replicate your unique skin colour, helping scars blend in more seamlessly.
- Long-lasting results: Medical-grade tattoos last for a considerable time, though occasional touch-ups may be needed.
- Versatility: This technique works well for various types of scarring, especially those that are flat but retain an uneven tone.
It’s important to work with a skilled practitioner who has experience in both colour-matching and scar camouflage to achieve natural-looking results.
Steroid Injections
For raised or hypertrophic scars, or scars that remain stubborn despite other treatments, Dr Turner may recommend steroid injections. These can significantly improve scar appearance by:
- Flattening the Scar
Steroids work by reducing collagen production in the area, which helps flatten and soften thick, raised scars. - Reducing Inflammation
Injections help calm the redness and swelling often associated with hypertrophic or keloid scars.
Multiple sessions may be required, typically spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart, to achieve optimal results. While steroid injections are generally safe, potential side effects include temporary skin thinning, pigmentation changes, and discomfort may occur.
What to Avoid
Smoking and Alcohol
While your body works hard to heal after surgery, smoking (vaping) and excessive alcohol consumption can significantly interfere with recovery. Nicotine constricts blood vessels, reducing the oxygen and nutrients that reach your healing tissues. Alcohol impairs your body’s clotting abilities and increases the likelihood of bruising around incision sites. Both habits can slow down the healing process, leading to more pronounced scars over time.
Strenuous Activities
Refraining from heavy lifting, high-impact exercises, or other vigorous movements too soon is essential. Strain on incision sites can prolong healing and raise the likelihood of complications, such as wound breakdown or infection. Waiting until your surgeon clears you for exercise helps ensure that your tissues have ample time to mend, resulting in less visible scarring.
Unverified Products
Be cautious of using creams, ointments, or other skincare items that are not expressly recommended by Dr Turner. Products containing harsh chemicals or irritants can hinder your skin’s natural healing processes. Stick to physician-approved wound care and follow any instructions provided to you.
Scratching the Incision Sites
Itching is common and signals that the incision area is healing. However, scratching can disrupt wound closure or introduce harmful bacteria. If itchiness becomes bothersome, applying a cold compress can bring short-term relief without risking further injury or delayed healing.
Realistic Expectations
While scars are a natural part of the surgical process, they generally become far less noticeable over time. In the initial months, it’s normal for scars to appear pink or slightly raised. However, with proper care—such as keeping incisions clean, avoiding smoking, and shielding the area from excessive sun exposure—most scars gradually fade and flatten within 6 to 12 months, often blending into thin, pale lines that are easily hidden by clothing or swimwear.
Each patient’s healing varies, influenced by factors like genetics, skin type, and adherence to postoperative guidelines. Setting realistic expectations means understanding that a degree of scarring will remain, but it’s typically outweighed by the benefits of a breast lift—improved shape, comfort, and confidence. By prioritising good scar management and being patient with the healing process, you can ensure your results look and feel their best in the long run.
Next Steps
Minimising scars after a breast lift is achievable with proper preparation, expert surgical techniques, and diligent aftercare. Dr Turner’s comprehensive approach, from personalised preoperative plans to advanced scar treatments, ensures optimal results for each patient. To learn more about mastopexy surgery, book a consultation at Dr Turner’s Manly Clinic in Sydney today.
- Schedule a Consultation: Book your appointment with Dr Turner at his Manly Clinic in Sydney, Australia.
- Prepare for Surgery: Follow any preoperative guidelines provided, such as avoiding certain medications and arranging for post-surgery care.
- Plan for Recovery: Set aside time for rest and healing and arrange for assistance during your initial recovery phase if needed.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional to determine the best treatment options for your individual needs. A formal quote will be provided after your consultation with Dr Turner that gives a better estimate of costs involved in your planned procedure.
