Breast lift scars are an inevitable part of undergoing breast lift surgery. But before you let this stop you from pursuing this procedure, keep in mind that the vast majority of women who get breast lifts are very happy with their outcomes — yes, despite the scars.
The reasoning is that they may have very faint scars, but their breasts are lifted, perkier, and far more youthful than they were prior to surgery.
So, if the idea of healed breast lift scars has thus far been scaring you away from surgery, think again! Not only will your scars be well-hidden beneath most clothing, but they’ll also fade almost to obscurity — plus, you’ll have the amazing added benefit of perkier, more attractive breasts.
How Is Breast Lift Surgery Performed?
Before undergoing breast lift surgery, you’ll need to meet with your plastic surgeon for a comprehensive consultation appointment. During this first meeting, you’ll be able to talk about your goals for surgery, your medical history, and your concerns about scarring. Be sure to ask any questions you may have.
Together, you and your surgeon can collaborate and come up with a personalized surgical plan that is tailored to your unique needs, goals, and anatomy. Your surgeon will be able to explain exactly what is a breast lift and what to expect.
On the day of your surgery, you will be taken to the operating room, and anesthesia will be administered. General anesthesia is typically used for breast lift surgery or mastopexy.
A series of incisions will then be made (we’ll discuss more about incision placement further on), and your breast tissue will be reshaped and repositioned. Some patients will have their areolae and nipples lifted and repositioned as well along with the removal of excess skin. Finally, your incisions will be closed, and you will be taken to recovery.
Does Breast Lift Surgery Result in Scars?
Questions about breast lift surgery scarring are very common at mastopexy consultation appointments.
Patients want to know if they’ll have scar tissue, what types of professional scar removal treatments are available, where exactly their breast lift incisions will be located, whether they can fix breast sagging without getting scars, and what can make breast lift scars worse after surgery. All of these questions and concerns are completely legitimate to bring up at your consultation appointment, and we will be glad to discuss the answers with you.
Basically, breast surgery does result in scars. Any invasive surgery that requires incisions is going to result in scars. The extent and visibility of these scars will vary depending on factors such as incision technique, individual healing ability, and scar management practices. The majority of patients who have breast surgery scars say they hardly notice them after surgery. Mastopexy scarring can usually be totally hidden beneath even the smallest undergarments and swimsuits.
What Do Breast Lift Scars Look Like?
Right after surgery, most breast lift scars appear red, raised, and slightly swollen. With time, scars will gradually fade and flatten, becoming less noticeable as they blend into the surrounding skin.
Mastopexy scars healed look different than new breast lift scars. Depending on the breast lift technique used during the surgical procedure (lollipop lift, anchor lift, etc.), the healing process usually fades the scars and flattens them out.
Breast Lift Incision Options
Dr. Schulman will discuss the various breast lift incision options available to you at your consultation appointment, taking into account factors such as breast size, shape, and degree of ptosis (breast sagging). Together, you’ll determine the best incision technique for achieving your unique goals.
Donut Breast Lift Incision
In cases of mild ptosis (sagging), a circumareolar incision (incision around the outer edge of the areola) may be enough to achieve a correction. This is also a common location for breast augmentation incisions (where breast implants are inserted).
Lollipop Breast Lift Incision
The lollipop incision technique involves making an incision around the areola and vertically down to the bottom half of the breast.
Anchor Breast Lift Incision
This surgical technique involves creating an incision around the areola, vertically down the bottom half of the breast, and horizontally along the breast crease.
Crescent Lift Incision
This cosmetic surgery technique involves making an incision around the upper half of the areola, enabling slight elevation of the nipple and areola complex. This breast lift procedure is suitable for mild sagging and offers subtle improvement with minimal scarring.
How Can I Minimize Breast Lift Scars?
While mastopexy scars are an inevitable part of the surgical process, there are steps you can take to minimize their visibility and promote optimal healing for the best breast lift results.
#1 – Avoid the sun.
Sun exposure with darken scar tissue, so keep your scars out of the sun. Wear sunscreen and protective clothing.
#2 – Use silicone scar gels.
Silicone scar treatments can help to fade scars more quickly and make them appear less noticeable overall. The silicone can provide moisture and softening effects to flatten out raised scars and help them blend with the surrounding skin.
#3 – Do not stretch your incisions.
There are important reasons why you should not move too much, lift anything heavy, or exercise while you are in breast lift recovery process. One reason is: If you do these things, you may actually stretch out or strain your incision sites, which can cause scars to worsen over time.
#4 – Talk to your doctor about worrisome scar tissue.
If you think you may have hypertrophic scars or keloid scars (those that actually grow outside the incision lines), contact your surgeon right away. There are treatments available for these types of scars.
Breast Lift Scars FAQ
What do breast lift scars after one year look like?
Healed one year breast lift scars should be flat and faded. If proper care was taken of the scars during breast lift recovery time, including the use of silicone gel and avoidance of the sun, scars should not be very noticeable at all. In subsequent years, they should fade even more.
What factors affect the total cost of breast lift surgery?
The total cost of breast lift surgery depends on several key factors that board certified plastic surgeons consider. Surgeon fees vary based on experience, training, and expertise in correcting sagging breasts and removing excess breast skin. Geographic location significantly impacts pricing, with larger urban areas having higher costs. Additional expenses include anesthesia fees, surgical facility charges, post-operative supplies like a surgical bra or supportive bra to improve blood flow, and follow-up appointments.
How long do breast lift scars last?
Breast lift scars are permanent but typically fade significantly over 12-18 months. Initially red and raised, surgical scars gradually flatten and lighten to match your skin tone. Most patients notice substantial improvement by the one-year mark, with continued fading up to two years post-surgery. Proper aftercare, including sun protection, silicone treatments, and massage, can promote healing and minimize scar appearance. Individual healing varies based on genetics, age, and the surgical technique used.
Is a breast lift worth the scars?
For most patients, breast lift results outweigh the scarring concerns. While scars are inevitable with plastic surgery, they’re strategically placed in natural breast contours and become less noticeable over time. Patients report improved confidence, better-fitting clothes, and relief from physical discomfort caused by sagging breasts. The key is having realistic expectations and following post-operative care instructions, including wearing a supportive bra to optimize healing and results while minimizing complications.
How can I minimize scar visibility after breast surgery?
To promote healing and improve scar appearance after procedures like breast reduction or breast cancer surgery, wear a surgical bra as directed to support proper blood flow and tissue recovery. Keep healing scars moisturized, avoid sun exposure, and massage the area gently once cleared by your surgeon. Darker skin tones may develop more noticeable scars, so discuss scar management strategies with your plastic surgeon beforehand.
What factors affect how breast skin heals after surgery?
Breast skin healing depends on surgical technique, your body’s natural healing ability, genetics, and post-operative care. Following your surgeon’s instructions and wearing a supportive bra helps minimize tension on incisions and improves outcomes for surgical scars on sagging breasts or after reconstructive procedures.
Does breast lift scarring go away?
No, unfortunately, your scars from breast lift surgery will never completely go away, but they will fade with time. Scar revision surgery can help diminish their visibility as well.
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Schulman
If you would like to learn more about breast lift surgery and scarring post-surgery, please call today to book your one-on-one consultation with board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Matthew Schulman.
References
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/to-breast-lift-or-not-to-breast-lift
