5 Tips to Reduce Breast Procedure Scarring

If you’re considering any type of breast procedure or surgery, such as a breast lift, reduction, or augmentation, you may be worried about potential scarring and how it will affect your appearance.

Scars from breast procedures can be different sizes, shapes, and severity depending on your situation. Your overall health, body type, and the extent of the procedure all play into what your scars will look like. They often start out red for the first few months, fading to pale purple and white within 8-12 months.

At Frederick H. Watkins, MD, our team, led by Dr. Watkins, does everything we can to minimize the appearance of scars in the breast procedures we perform. Here are a few tips to follow after your procedure to help reduce breast scarring.

1. Wear a support bra

Wearing a post-operative support bra after surgery will protect your breasts, placing less stress on the area of your incisions. You may need to wear these support bras for up to six months after surgery as you’re healing. Your bra shouldn’t have an underwire that can irritate your skin, but instead should have a soft, strong underband.

2. Apply creams and silicone

Antibacterial cream will protect against infection, and softening cream will keep your scar flexible and hydrated. Silicone treatments also help hydrate your scars, keeping them softer and flatter while providing a breathable barrier against bacteria. You should only use softening cream and silicone after your wound has fully healed.

3. Massage the area

Gently rubbing your scar area (once any scabs have disappeared) can help soften and flatten your scars. Scars contain collagen that joins together to heal your wound; massaging the area can help distribute this collagen, preventing it from building up and making your scar thicker and more noticeable.

4. Eat a healthy diet and drink water

Eat a balanced, healthy diet full of whole foods and proteins. This gives your body the vitamins and nutrients it needs to heal quickly and create healthy new tissue. Staying hydrated also improves the elasticity of your skin, which helps the healing process. 

5. Follow instructions

The best way to reduce scarring following a breast procedure is to help your wound heal as fast as possible. To do this, make sure your skin is clean and dry (keep the area out of water) and avoid exercise, which can place too much stress on the scar area. (You should be able to resume your normal exercise routine about six weeks after your procedure.)

If you’re considering a breast procedure and are worried about scarring, discuss your concerns ahead of time with Dr. Watkins and prepare to follow the tips above as you recover. We’re happy to set up a consultation for you. Call our location nearest you — Rockville, Maryland, or McLean, Virginia — or use the “Request Consultation” button on our site to book a convenient time.