How to Reduce Scars After Breast Surgery

One of the main concerns for women considering breast surgery—whether it's augmentation or reduction—is how noticeable the resulting scars will be. Scars are a natural part of the healing process, but there are steps you can take to minimize their appearance.

At Imagine You New in St. Petersburg, Florida, we offer scar camouflage for breast scars once they are fully healed and ready for tattooing. This procedure is designed to blend the scar tissue with your natural skin tone, making the scars much less visible. Below are additional methods you can follow to help reduce the appearance of scars after breast surgery.

Helpful Tips for Minimizing Breast Surgery Scars

1. Wear a Support Bra Wearing a post-operative bra is essential for supporting the breasts and minimizing stress on the incision areas. Your surgeon may recommend wearing a post-surgery bra for up to six months, which is the critical period when scar tissue begins to form. Avoid underwired bras, as the wires can irritate the scars. A soft, supportive bra will provide the necessary support without putting pressure on the healing tissue.

2. Use Creams Several types of creams may be recommended after breast surgery:

   • Anti-bacterial cream: Your surgeon may prescribe this to prevent infection. Be sure to follow their post-operative instructions carefully.

   • Softening cream: After the wound has fully healed, you can apply a cream to keep the scar flexible and hydrated.

   • Silicone treatments: This is one of the most effective ways to reduce scarring. Silicone-based products help hydrate scar tissue, making scars softer and flatter. They can also reduce irritation and itchiness.

3. Apply Silicone Treatments Silicone treatments come in two forms: strips that can be placed under the breast and around the nipple, and a liquid substance that dries quickly and can be applied multiple times a day. Both forms help reduce scar visibility by providing moisture and acting as a barrier to bacteria. These treatments should only be applied once the wound has fully healed, usually after 2-3 weeks.

4. Gently Massage the Area Once the scab has naturally fallen off, you can start gently massaging the area to help soften and flatten the scar. Massaging helps redistribute collagen in the skin and promotes better blood flow, speeding up the healing process. Be sure to use an oil or cream during the massage to prevent irritation.

5. Stop Smoking Smoking reduces blood circulation, which means less oxygen is delivered to the skin. This can slow down the healing process and result in more prominent scarring. Quitting smoking before and after surgery will improve your overall recovery and reduce the risk of complications.

6. Eat Healthily A balanced diet rich in vitamins, proteins, and other nutrients will support your body’s natural healing processes. Proper nutrition is essential for tissue repair and minimizing scarring.

7. Stay Hydrated Drinking plenty of water helps improve skin elasticity and aids in the wound-healing process. When your skin is well-hydrated, it receives the oxygen and nutrients necessary for proper healing.

8. Avoid Sun Exposure Scar tissue is more sensitive to UV rays, making it more prone to darkening and sunburn. Avoid exposing your scars to direct sunlight or tanning beds for at least six months after surgery. If you need to be outdoors, apply a high SPF sunblock to the scarred areas.

9. Avoid Strenuous Exercise Physical activity should be avoided until you are fully healed. Strenuous exercise can put stress on your incisions and slow down the healing process. Gentle exercise may be resumed after the first week, but always follow your surgeon’s advice on when it’s safe to return to normal activity.

10. Keep the Wound Dry While a moist environment can speed up healing, getting the wound wet too soon can promote infection. Keep the area dry, but use creams or lotions to maintain moisture and prevent cracking.

11. Avoid Hot Showers Hot water can irritate the healing wound, leading to inflammation. Stick to lukewarm baths or showers until your scars have healed sufficiently.

12. Take Care of Your Wound Keeping the wound clean is essential to preventing infection and minimizing scarring. Follow your surgeon’s instructions for wound care, including how often to change dressings.

13. Monitor Your Healing Keep a close eye on your scar to ensure it is healing as expected. If you notice any unusual symptoms, such as excessive swelling, colored discharge, or lumps around the incision site, consult your surgeon right away to rule out infection or complications.

Additional Considerations

Breast Surgery Scar Infection

Infections can cause scarring to worsen, so it’s important to watch for signs like increased swelling or discharge. If you suspect an infection, consult your surgeon immediately.

Breast Surgery Healing Time

Scars from breast surgery typically go through several stages of healing. They often appear red or pink for the first few months before gradually fading to a lighter shade. It can take up to a year or more for scars to fully mature and become less noticeable.

Do Breast Surgery Scars Ever Go Away?

While scars will not completely disappear, they can become so light and thin that they are barely visible over time. The skill of your surgeon plays a significant role in how well your scars heal. Be sure to choose a qualified surgeon with experience in minimizing surgical scarring.

At Imagine You New in St. Petersburg, Florida, once your breast scars have fully healed, we can help make them less noticeable through our scar camouflage tattooing. This specialized technique blends the scar with your natural skin tone, reducing its appearance and restoring your confidence.