What scars will I be left with after breast augmentation?

Scarring is one of the side effects of breast augmentation operations that most people are concerned with, so understanding the extent to which you can expect scarring is very important when making the decision whether or not to undergo this type of operation.

People typically are quite resigned to the fact that there will be some scarring, although the severity of the scarring and the extent to which it will be visible, is important for women to understand fully.

Depending on where you choose to undergo this type of surgery, the breast implants may be inserted in one of three different places: underneath the arm, to the side of the areolas or underneath the breasts.

Beneath the breast

Insertions under the breast are often recommended for women with larger, fuller bosoms, as the shape and scale of the breasts will often mean the scarring is not clearly visible when sitting or standing. This location is most often recommended if the patient has chosen to enhance their cup size and has opted for large silicone implants, as it will naturally require a larger incision for insertion.

If you have chosen implants and decided on saline solution, then this is not a concern, as these are inserted as empty vessels and are filled once they are in position.

Beside the areola

Choosing to insert implants next to the areolas are typically advised for women who have had one or more pregnancies and who have got a reasonable sized areola area. The benefit of this location is that the colour of the skin in this region means that the scar blends in well and will often fade more quickly.

Beneath the arm

Finally, for some patients, the incision is made underneath the arm. This is typically when women have smaller breasts (therefore the scar would be more visible if it were underneath the breasts) and where the areola is smaller, and therefore less likely to conceal the scar.

The thing to remember with scars is that, to a certain extent, all will fade over time. The extent to which they fade is dependent on a variety of factors, including the resilience of your skin to healing and also the aftercare that you give your scars.

Creams containing vitamin A or vitamin E have good healing properties and can help the scars heal effectively. Also, the process of regularly massaging creams and oils into the scar site can help encourage blood flow to the affected area, which can also help the healing process.