Breast augmentation is one of the most sought after plastic surgery procedures here in northern NJ and throughout the country.

It has been our experience that many patients are concerned about the possible scars they may have following breast implant surgery.

Scarring is something you need to consider when weighing your options to enlarge your breasts.

While you can’t avoid scars completely, many women describe their breast implant scars as “virtually invisible.”

Breast implant surgeries are carefully planned so that scars are hidden beneath a bikini. That said, there are several steps you can take to make sure you are in the majority of women who undergo breast implant procedures and emerge happy with their results.

Make Sure You’re a Good Candidate for Breast Implants to Lower the Risk of Scars

If you are relatively young and healthy, with realistic goals for your breast enlargement, you are likely a good candidate for the procedure. After consulting with you about your medical history and what you’d like to achieve, your surgeon will let you know right away if you’re a good candidate.

Before going forward with your breast implant surgery, your plastic surgeon will also require that you have a physical exam, blood tests and a mammogram to confirm that there are no issues that might negatively affect your surgical result.

It is important to note that even the best candidates will experience some scarring from breast implant surgery. Scars may be red and raised for several months following the surgery, and can last a year or more depending on the patient. Many times the scars then fade to thin while lines.  If a concomitant breast lift is performed, there may be additional scars to consider as well.  Although not traditionally thought of as breast implant scars, scar tissue that forms around the implant can cause a capsular contracture which may rise to the level of requiring secondary surgery.  Fortunately, capsular contracture rates are 3-15% depending upon implant type and location but only a few of these require additional surgery.

What to Do Before Surgery To Minimize Breast Implant Scars

Scars can be reduced and healing time shortened if you carefully follow the directions given by your surgeon to prepare for breast implant surgery and during your recovery period. In the weeks before surgery, your surgeon may instruct you to:

  • Take no aspirin or ibuprofen, which can interfere with blood clotting.
  • Discontinue herbal supplements or medications, which could affect blood pressure or interfere with anesthesia and blood clotting.
  • Limit vitamin E, although avoiding it completely may not be required.
  • Stop smoking. Nicotine can decrease blood circulation to the skin, complicating the healing process.
  • Take a daily multivitamin for improved health and a quicker recovery. (The instructions for the night before surgery are different. You cannot take pills or drink any water at that time.)
  • Avoid excessive sun exposure and any sunburn/tanning.

What to Do During Recovery to Decrease Breast Implant Scars

Your instructions will be customized for you, but during your recovery after surgery your surgeon may instruct you to:

  • Arrange for a friend to not only drive you home from surgery, but also remain with you for at least 24 hours. This is important to prevent accidental falls and stretching to reach items–and to make sure medication is taken on time.
  • Drink fluids and eat a healthy diet to maintain optimal health. Your surgeon may ask you to restrict salt intake to limit swelling.
  • Avoid alcohol, as it interrupts healing, can dehydrate you, increase bleeding and compromise your general health.
  • Do not smoke.
  • Take prescribed medications such as pain pills.
  • Not skip any follow-up visits with your plastic surgeon.
  • Limit lifting, reaching, pushing or pulling for 10 days or until your surgeon gives the ok.
  • Elevate your torso when lying down to reduce swelling.
  • Do not expose your scars to the sun.
  • Avoid strenuous exercise and activities for several weeks to avoid bleeding, bruising or swelling. Also avoid hot tubs, the ocean and swimming pools early in the post op period.
  • Call your surgeon if you develop a fever, experience excess pain or if you feel anything is not right. Never hesitate to call whenever you have questions during recovery and healing.

What Will My Breast Implant Scars Look Like?

There are a number of factors that affect how much scarring you could experience after breast augmentation. Talk to your surgeon about these factors for an individualized assessment of surgical risks, including scarring. However, some of the more general things that can impact breast implant scarring are:

  • Age.
  • Prior sun damage to the skin.
  • Genetics.
  • Weight: If you are overweight, it may be difficult to close your incisions seamlessly.
  • Skin tone: If you have lighter skin, scars may be more noticeable in contrast to your skin color. If you have darker skin, you may be more prone to overgrowth of scar tissue at the surgical site.
  • Depth and length of Incision(s): Do your best to choose a skilled surgeon whose technique is impeccable. From this surgeon, you can also expect careful planning that takes into account your body type and your breast augmentation goals—and meets those needs with the smallest incisions possible.

The Right Surgeon Will Help You Avoid Scarring

Some factors related to scarring are within your control and others, like genetics, are not. We believe that if you do your best with the things you can control, you’ll achieve some of the best results possible.

One of the most important things that is within your control is conducting research and learning about your procedure. As we can see you’ve begun that process, we believe you’re beginning to take the right steps towards a successful surgery.

The other piece of the equation is choosing the right surgeon. It’s important to remember that the right surgeon for your neighbor may not be the right surgeon for you. You need to find a surgeon that provides you with an individualized approach. This is so important as scars from breast implant surgery are, to a large extent, technique-dependent. So careful screening of your surgeon’s qualifications is a must.

Once you have checked out your surgeon’s credentials, schedule a consultation if you are comfortable with what your research has found. Make sure to choose a surgeon who shows interest in your goals and makes plans to limit scarring.

Your surgeon should answer all of your questions completely and describe the surgical technique they will use in your specific case. Your surgeon should discuss where your incisions will be placed and what will be done to minimize scarring.

The most important thing is that you want a surgeon who listens to your needs and customizes your procedure to fit you. Choose a surgeon in whom you have complete confidence.

Finding a Breast Implant Surgeon in NJ

When you’re ready to take the next step and learn how breast implant surgery would work for you, we’d love to speak with you. We’ve been working with patients in NJ for more than a decade and have a dedicated office and surgery center in Bergen County.

We’re dedicated to having a real conversation about your goals. As specialists in aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery, we’re here to provide you with the information you need about breast implants and scars–and explain the options available for you. If you’re a good candidate, we’ll make this journey with you.

breast surgeon NJ

Dr. Cohen

About Dr. Cohen

Dr. Cohen specializes in breast lifts, augmentations, revisions and reductions as well as breast cancer reconstructions. A long time dream of Dr. Cohen’s was to travel to developing countries and provide expert surgical care to those who have no other possible access to medical care. This became a reality in 2007 when she became a founding member and Vice President of ISMS Operation Kids.