Last Updated May 2025
If you’re considering breast augmentation surgery in Sydney, understanding how to manage post-surgical scars is an essential part of your journey. While all surgical procedures leave some form of scarring, there are numerous evidence-based strategies to help minimise their appearance and promote optimal healing.
Understanding the Science of Scar Formation
Before discussing management techniques, it’s helpful to understand how scars develop after breast augmentation:
The Three Phases of Scar Healing
- Inflammatory Phase (Days 0-14):
- Incisions appear red and swollen
- Body initiates natural tissue repair processes
- Scabs may form and eventually fall off
- Proliferative Phase (Weeks 2-6):
- Collagen deposition creates raised, pink scar tissue
- Scars typically feel firm to the touch
- Gradual reduction in redness begins
- Remodeling Phase (Months 6-24):
- Collagen fibers reorganize and align
- Scars gradually flatten and fade
- Final scar appearance emerges
Typical Scar Timeline After Breast Augmentation
- 1 Month: Red, slightly raised scars (3-5 cm in length depending on incision type)
- 3 Months: Approximately 50% reduction in scar height and redness
- 12 Months: Mature scars become pale and supple for most patients
- 18-24 Months: Final scar maturation complete
At Dr Turner’s Sydney plastic surgery clinics in Manly and Double Bay, we provide comprehensive care that continues well beyond your surgery day. This guide outlines proven techniques for scar management after breast augmentation (augmentation mammoplasty).
Why Scar Management Matters After Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation inevitably results in scars where incisions are made. Depending on your procedure, these may be located around the areola (periareolar), in the breast fold (inframammary), or in the armpit (transaxillary). While these scars are typically positioned discreetly, proper scar management can significantly improve their final appearance.
15 Evidence-Based Strategies to Minimise Breast Augmentation Scars
1. Apply Silicone Tape
Silicone tape is clinically proven to improve scar appearance by:
- Hydrating scar tissue
- Regulating collagen production
- Helping scars become flatter and softer over time
Dr. Turner’s Recommended Protocol:
- Begin silicone tape application at 6 weeks post-surgery
- Wear silicone tape 24 hours a day for 5 consecutive days (weekdays)
- Remove for 2 days (weekends) to perform scar massage
- Repeat this cycle until 6 months for optimal results
2. Scar Massage Techniques
Regular scar massage helps:
- Break down dense collagen fibres
- Improve blood circulation to healing tissues
- Prevent formation of raised scars (hypertrophic scars or keloids)
Recommended Technique:
- Start with clean hands and hypoallergenic lubricant (sorbolene)
- Apply firm massage along the incision line (5 minutes per side)
- Gradually increase pressure over 8 weeks as healing progresses
3. Shield Scars from Sun Exposure
UV radiation can permanently darken scars, making them more noticeable, particularly during the first 12-18 months when scars are still maturing. Research indicates that UV exposure increases melanin production in healing scars by up to 200%, significantly impacting their final appearance.
Comprehensive Sun Protection Protocol:
- Apply broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen (prefer physical blockers like zinc oxide)
- Wear UPF 50+ clothing during outdoor activities
- Avoid direct sun exposure when possible
- Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours when outdoors in Sydney’s intense UV environment
4. Maintain Optimal Nutrition and Hydration
Proper healing requires specific nutrients and adequate hydration to support collagen synthesis and tissue repair:
Nutritional Optimization for Scar Healing:
- Vitamin C: 500mg twice daily to boost collagen cross-linking
- Zinc: 15mg daily to enhance epithelial migration and wound healing
- Protein: 1.6g per kg of body weight daily for tissue repair
- Drink 2-3 litres of water daily to maintain skin elasticity
Dr Turner recommends all patients start nutritional supplements 6 weeks prior to surgery and continue for 3 months after surgery to assist in optimal wound healing.
5. Eliminate All Nicotine and Limit Alcohol
Both nicotine in any form and excessive alcohol consumption significantly impair healing:
- All nicotine products (cigarettes, vapes, patches, gum) constrict blood vessels, reducing oxygen to healing tissues
- Alcohol increases bleeding and bruising risks
For optimal results, avoid all nicotine products and alcohol for at least 4 weeks before and after your breast augmentation procedure at our Sydney clinics.
6. Wear Recommended Compression Garments
Supportive surgical bras and compression garments:
- Reduce tension on incisions
- Provide stability during healing
- Help prevent scars from widening
- Minimise swelling which can affect scar formation
Follow Dr Turner’s specific guidance on compression wear duration based on your individual healing progress.
7. Maintain Stable Body Weight
Weight fluctuations can stretch skin, placing stress on healing scars. Maintaining a stable weight:
- Prevents unnecessary tension on incision sites
- Supports optimal healing conditions
- Preserves your breast augmentation results
This is why Dr Turner assesses weight stability during pre-surgical consultations at both our Manly and Double Bay locations.
8. Avoid Activities That Strain Incisions
During your recovery period, typically 4-6 weeks:
- Limit overhead reaching
- Avoid heavy lifting (over 2-5kg)
- Gradually return to exercise as directed
- Follow Dr Turner’s personalised activity guidelines
9. Manage Environmental Factors
Heat increases inflammation and can worsen scarring. During recovery, avoid:
- Saunas and steam rooms
- Hot tubs and very hot showers
- Excessive heat exposure
- Direct heating pads on surgical sites
10. Optimise Sleep Position
For at least 2-4 weeks after surgery:
- Sleep with your upper body slightly elevated (30°)
- Use extra pillows for support
- Avoid sleeping on your stomach
- Maintain proper alignment to reduce strain on incisions
11. Avoid Scratching or Picking at Scars
Despite normal itching during healing:
- Never scratch or pick at incision sites
- Use cold compresses for itch relief
- Apply recommended moisturisers
- Ask about antihistamines if itching is severe
12. Attend All Follow-Up Appointments
Post-operative care is crucial for optimal scar outcomes:
- Keep all scheduled appointments at our Manly or Double Bay clinics
- Follow Dr Turner’s personalised scar management protocol
- Discuss concerns about scarring during these visits
- Receive timely interventions if scars aren’t healing as expected
Consider Advanced Scar Treatments When Necessary
For some patients, additional treatments may be beneficial for optimal results:
Advanced Options Available at Our Sydney Clinics:
- Laser Therapies:
- Pulsed Dye (585 nm) reduces scar redness by up to 73% after 3 sessions
- Fractional CO2 improves texture in mature scars
- Enhanced Topical Regimens:
- Morning: Silicone gel + SPF 50
- Evening: Low-concentration retinol (0.025%) + ceramide-based moisturizer
- Other Specialized Treatments:
- Medical-grade skincare products
- Specialized scar revision techniques (if needed)
- Dermal needling for certain types of problematic scars
Dr Turner can assess your individual healing progress during follow-up appointments and recommend appropriate advanced treatments if necessary.
Why Choose Dr Scott Turner for Breast Augmentation in Sydney
Dr Scott Turner is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon with extensive training and experience in breast enhancement procedures. As a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) and member of multiple prestigious plastic surgery societies, Dr Turner brings exceptional skill to each procedure.
At his clinics in Sydney’s Northern Beaches (Manly) and Eastern Suburbs (Double Bay), Dr Turner offers:
- Personalised surgical planning tailored to your unique anatomy and goals
- Comprehensive pre-operative education on scar management expectations
- Advanced surgical techniques that prioritise minimal scarring
- Detailed post-operative care and scar management protocols
- Ongoing support throughout your recovery journey
Next Steps: Book Your Consultation
Understanding how to minimise scars is just one aspect of preparing for breast augmentation surgery. To discuss your options and develop a personalised surgical plan, we invite you to contact our team for a consultation with Dr Turner at either our Manly or Double Bay location in Sydney.
Disclaimer: Individual results vary. All surgical procedures carry risks. It’s important to have realistic expectations and follow all pre and post-operative care instructions provided by Dr Turner and his team.
