Scaring is an inevitably when incisions are made. Incisions will need to be made during breast augmentation to place the implants. How you prepare for surgery, how well you follow post-operative advice, and which incision option you choose will play the largest roles in determining the visibility of these scars after you have healed.
Breast Augmentation Incision Options
Salem breast augmentation surgeon Dr. George Chatson offers three breast enlargement incision options:
- Periareolar – around the dark skin of the areola
- Inframammary – underneath the breast, in the creases where breast and chest meet
- Transaxillary – through the armpit
Both the periareolar and inframammary incisions will leave a scar on the breasts. The scars related to transaxillary breast augmentation will be hidden in the folds of your armpit.
Incisions made around the areola may be less noticeable because they are in the darker and often lumpy skin surrounding the nipple. Incisions made underneath the breasts may be hidden in the crease and only noticeable when the bottom of the breasts are exposed.
You reduce your risks for unsatisfactory scarring if you:
- Quit smoking at least six weeks before surgery and do not start again
- Keep incisions dry and clean
- Avoid soaking in tubs or pools
- Avoid saunas and steam rooms
- Wear your compression garment
- Follow all of Dr. Chatson’s pre and post-operative instructions
Dr. Chatson is a board-certified plastic surgeon with decades of experience. During your time in our care, he will provide you with detailed instructions on preparing for and recovering from breast augmentation. Following these instructions is the best way to reduce risks of complications and unsatisfactory results.
Your Safety is Important to Us
Dr. Chatson performs all breast augmentation procedures in accredited surgical facilities, including the Southern New Hampshire Medical Center. This commitment to patient safety has earned Dr. Chatson the Patient Safety Excellence Award from HealthGrades for several years in a row.
Taking precautions, performing procedures in accredited facilities, and taking time to customize breast augmentation surgery all work to reduce the risk of visible scars. Steps you take before and after your surgery will play a role as well. At-home scar-reduction techniques such as silicone tape may be useful in reducing the size of your scar as it forms, but you will want to avoid placing tension on the incisions. Tension can increase scar size. There are various creams and ointments that can be used to help reduce scar thickness as well, but proper incision care is truly the most effective method.
When you come to our office for breast augmentation, Dr. Chatson will review preparation and recovery to help ensure you are ready as you go into and come out of surgery. We encourage you to ask any questions you may have about breast augmentation during these visits to make sure you are fully informed during each phase.
To schedule your breast augmentation consultation at our Salem, NH area office, please call 603-882-2103 today. Dr. Chatson provides breast augmentation for patients in Nashua, Manchester, and nearby areas of New Hampshire