How Today's Breast Implant Surgeries Reduce Scarring

Women who consider breast implant surgery often worry about scarring. There is an obvious reason for this, as scarring can diminish the youthful, natural appearance of breasts, and cause women to become self-conscious about their appearance—defeating the purpose of breast implants in the first place. Some of these concerns are valid. For years, even the best plastic surgeons were using procedures that left visible scars, often vertically from the bottom of the breast to the areola. Fortunately, modern practices have been developed to reduce scarring. These techniques allow women to experience life-changing procedures without the harmful effect of extremely noticeable scars. Modern Procedures: New Incision Techniques, New Technologies  In most cases, it just comes down to making incisions in places where the scar will not be seen. But there are also innovations in how the surgery is done, not just where. In many case, there is a scar, but it’s simply hidden. In the past, incisions for breast implants were made in the most accessible, direct location, often at the front-center of the breast. While this made the procedure easier, it often led to ugly, long-term scarring.

New Incision Locations

One solution has been to make incisions underneath the breast, at the fold near the rib cage. This allows the breast itself to cover the scar and makes the incision point virtually invisible. Another innovation is a process called trans-auxiliary breast augmentation. During this procedure, the incision is made near the armpit in the folds of skin. This allows the scars to remain hidden and keeps the incision point away from the breasts. When the incision is made, the implant is placed and then filled with saline. With this procedure, scarring is usually only two to five centimeters. There is also a procedure called peri-areolar breast augmentation. Doctors using this procedure make a small incision around the lower edge of the areola, which provides access to the breast interior and allows for certain types of breast implants. This technique can be effective for people who have a pronounced difference between the tone of their areola and skin. This technique creates a small scar and allows the doctor to have direct visibility for pocket creation.

The Saline Solution

A common technology that has allowed for smaller incisions, and therefore less scarring, is saline breast implants. These implants are made from a hollow silicone outer shell which is placed inside the breast. The implant is then filled with a saline solution to a specific volume after the shell is in place. Because the shell is filled after insertion, it allows for much smaller incisions. Whatever decision you ultimately reach, it's important work closely with a skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon to choose a surgical procedure that will result in as little scarring as possible. Image via Stocksy  

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Dr. Tracy Pfeifer also weighed in on so-called "vampire" breast lifts, as well as on whether or not vacation breasts are worth it. Here's the best treatment for post-op scars.

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