Anyone who signs up for an award-winning breast lift in Santa Barbara is welcome to ask questions about the procedure. It is an intensive surgery, so it is imperative that you are knowledgeable about what to expect. One of the questions we get asked a lot is, “What do breast lift scars look like?”, and we have found that this question does not often get a good answer.
What Do Breast Lift Scars Look Like?
So, today, your experts at the office of Dr. Bretn Moelleken will answer this question by talking about the techniques used in breast lift surgery and what it means to have scar tissue. We will also discuss some great ways to hide your scars and keep your skin healthy so you can continue looking your best long after the recovery period.
About Breast Lifts
Breast lift surgery, also known as mastopexy, is a cosmetic procedure designed to elevate and reshape sagging breasts. Breasts will sag over time due to aging, pregnancy, childbirth, and physical injury. Our surgical techniques help to restructure this area and give the breasts a more youthful and perky appearance. This surgery can be highly beneficial for individuals of all shapes, sizes, and ages.
The process of breast lift surgery typically begins with a comprehensive consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Moelleken. During this consultation, the surgeon will evaluate factors such as breast anatomy, aesthetic goals, and other surgical expectations. From there, he will recommend the most appropriate surgical approach. Depending on the degree of breast damage and the desired outcome, a variety of surgical techniques might be used. Three common methods include:
Periareolar mastopexy:
The surgeon will make a rounded incision around the areola, which surrounds the nipple. This makes it easy for the surgeon to remove excess skin and reshape the breast tissue.
Vertical mastopexy:
Also known as the lollipop incision, this technique involves a vertical incision that goes down through the breasts. This is a good idea for moderate to severe breast drooping, as it helps the surgeon reshape the breast mound.
Anchor mastopexy:
In cases of severe breast ptosis, an anchor-shaped incision is made around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease, and horizontally along the breasts again. While this does create the most scarring, it also allows for the maximum skin removal and tissue reshaping.
Following breast lift surgery, patients can expect a period of recovery and healing. While individual recovery timelines may vary, most patients can resume light activities within a few days. You can get the all-clear from your surgeon to return to work within a week or two following your surgery, depending on how your recovery is going. However, strenuous activities and heavy lifting should be avoided for several weeks to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications.
What Do Breast Lift Scars Look Like? Are They Permanent?
One common concern among individuals considering breast lift surgery is the appearance of scars. This is a very understandable worry! While it is true that breast lift surgery results in permanent scars, modern surgical techniques and advancements in plastic surgery have enabled us to minimize visible scarring. Not only does this create healthier tissue, but it also produces much more natural-looking results. Our team of experts in Santa Barbara employs meticulous surgical practices, including careful incision placement and precise closure methods, to optimize scar healing and minimize scar visibility.
How Visible Are Breast Lift Scars?
The appearance of breast lift scars can vary depending on factors such as skin type, skin elasticity, and individual healing characteristics. In most cases, breast lift scars will initially appear red or pink and may gradually fade over time to become less noticeable. Additionally, scars typically continue to improve in appearance over the course of several months to a year as the healing process progresses. Keep in touch with your surgeon for more questions regarding your scars.
How Can I Minimize Scar Visibility?
To further enhance scar healing and minimize scar visibility, we might recommend a few different post-operative scar care techniques, such as:
- Silicone gel or sheeting: These products can be applied to the scar site to promote healing and reduce scar thickness and discoloration.
- Scar massage: Gentle massage techniques can help break down scar tissue and improve skin texture and appearance.
- Sun protection: Protecting the scarred area from sun exposure can prevent hyperpigmentation and further discoloration of the scars.
By carefully following post-operative instructions and engaging in scar management techniques, we are confident that patients can enjoy natural-looking and long-lasting results from their breast lift surgery.
Reshape and Reimagine Your Breasts the Way You Want!
Breast lift surgery can provide significant benefits for individuals seeking to improve breast contour and restore youthful breast aesthetics. While breast lift surgery does result in permanent scars, our board-certified cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Moelleken, utilizes a unique combination of methods to minimize visible scarring. We want to help you achieve the most optimal aesthetic outcomes. Speak to us today to find out how to get started!