Does Breast Augmentation Leave Visible Scarring?

Posted September 03, 2024 in Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation incision options directly relate to future scarring, giving patients and surgeons a little more control over where and how large a breast augmentation scar might be. This blog discusses the possible locations for breast augmentation scars, which options will result in more or less visible scarring, and additional factors that influence a patient’s chance of scarring.

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Where Will My Breast Augmentation Scars Be?

Scars are a necessary side-effect of any surgery, even elective surgery. Incisions are how surgeons access, augment, and alter the body for a plastic surgery procedure, and whenever the skin is cut, there is the possibility of a scar.

But scars don’t have to be unsightly, large, or even visible when it comes to breast augmentation. With advances in technique and breast augmentation technology, plastic surgeons now have more options than ever as to where they place incisions. Below, we will discuss the different incision types associated with breast augmentation, as well as how scars will likely form and what clothing options you have with each.

Breast Augmentation Scar Locations

One of the most common concerns of potential breast augmentation patients is the location and visibility of their scars. Unfortunately, scars are an inevitability whenever an incision is made on the body; therefore, it is possible that breast augmentation can leave a visible scar.

However, there are many incision options to choose from for your breast augmentation, which gives you a little more variation about where your scar will be. Below, we will list common incision types so you and your surgeon can consider the best option for your procedure.

Inframammary Incision

This incision runs along the bottom of each breast, where it meets the ribcage. Patients with an inframammary incision type can usually hide their scar easily, although it’s possible it can be visible.

Scar Visibility

• Bathing Suit or Bra: Unlikely visible

• Unclothed: Visible

Periareolar Incision

This incision is located around the outer edge of the areola. The benefit of this incision is that scars are nearly undetectable, but you will have limited options when it comes to the size of your implants.

Scar Visibility

• Bathing Suit or Bra: Not visible
• Unclothed: Unlikely visible

Transaxillary Incision

The remaining incision types are much less common, including the transaxillary incision. This technique places the incision in the armpit—it does not involve the breasts at all. While the breasts won’t feature any visible scarring, there’s the possibility that you can see the scars under your arms.

Scar Visibility (On the Breasts)

• Bathing Suit or Bra: Not Visible

• Unclothed: Not Visible

Transumbilical Incision (TUBA)

During a transumbilical breast augmentation, the surgeon makes a small incision within the belly button to create a pocket up to the breasts, where the implants are inserted. This results in no visible scarring at all, although you must have saline implants as they are filled after they are placed.

Scar Visibility

• Bathing Suit or Bra: Not Visible
• Unclothed: Not Visible

Want to learn more about implant options, such as implant placement, type, and material? Take a look at our in-depth blog on breast implant options.

Can You Prevent Breast Augmentation Scars?

It’s impossible to avoid scarring altogether, but there are steps you can take to make your scars much less prominent. When it comes to scars after plastic surgery, the size, location, color, and thickness of scars are all dependent on three factors: your surgeon, you, and your body.

To put it plainly, some surgeons are better at making incisions and sutures than others. An experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon is going to have much more skill in perfecting the art of making neat sutures, so if you are concerned about scarring, you should only entrust a reputable surgeon. That being said, your surgeon’s skill can only take you so far—the rest is up to you.

After your procedure, it becomes your responsibility to care for your incisions, get enough rest to focus on healing, and always follow your surgeon’s instructions for recovery. It’s a lot of work to recover from plastic surgery! You should be prepared for about two weeks of disruption from your normal routine, and always reach out to your surgeon if you have any questions or concerns. Once your incisions have fully sealed (meaning there are no open wounds) and the scar has started to heal, you can begin scar treatments such as using scar ointments or silicone patches and, of course, avoid sun exposure.

The last factor is your body’s natural response to injury. Some people are more prone to large or noticeable scarring, and there’s little you can do about it. Usually, people with darker skin are more susceptible to forming keloid or raised scars, which is something to consider before undergoing elective surgery. If you know you tend to form dark or raised scars, and that is a concern for you, discuss your options with your plastic surgeon.

Breast augmentation scarring, while a likelihood, is not unmanageable. If you do end up with scars that bother you, you can still consider scar treatments such as laser resurfacing or scar revision surgery.

Want to Learn More About Breast Augmentation Scarring?

Call Dr. Eric K. Cha, our New York City breast augmentation specialist. Dr. Cha has decades of experience providing stunning, entirely custom breast augmentation results and will be happy to discuss your options for this transformational surgery.

Call Fifth Ave Plastic Surgery today at (212) 717-2222 or fill out our online contact form to get started.