How Long Can It Take for Incisions to Heal After Breast Augmentation?

There's no doubt that one of the most common questions women ask when considering breast augmentation surgery is whether they will have visible scarring. While some level of scarring is unavoidable with breast augmentation surgery, proper scar care, and appropriate surgical aftercare can help keep visible scarring to a minimum. Here, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sean Kelishadi of SSK Plastic Surgery in Orange County, CA reviews important things to know about breast augmentation scarring and recovery, including how long it may take your breast augmentation incisions to heal, how to care for your healing incisions, and what kind of scarring you may expect.

Where are the incisions for breast implants?

The type of incision and incision placement for breast augmentation surgery can vary based on a number of factors, including the type and size of breast implant used, whether a breast implant vs. fat transfer breast augmentation is being performed, whether a breast lift will be combined with a breast augmentation, and others. In most cases, breast augmentation surgery is performed via an incision in the inframammary crease, just at the base of the breast. Types of breast augmentation incisions can include an inverted-T incision, an anchor incision, a lollipop incision, and others. During your initial consultation for Newport Beach breast augmentation surgery, Dr. Kelishadi will discuss your incision options and recommend the breast augmentation incision type and placement that is most appropriate for you.

How long does it take incisions to heal after breast augmentation surgery?

Depending on the type of breast augmentation incision, the placement of the incision, the patient's adherence to aftercare instructions, and other factors, breast lift incisions may take up to 1 – 2 weeks to close, with the incisions continuing to heal for several more weeks. During the period when breast augmentation incisions are healing, patients should follow their postoperative instructions closely. Guidelines for ensuring proper and efficient incision healing and avoiding unwanted complications, including delayed healing of breast augmentation incisions, include:

• Do not smoke
• Drink plenty of water
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet
• Take supplements and/or medications as directed
• Do not engage in strenuous physical activity, strenuous exercise, or heavy lifting
• Avoid tension on your incisions
• Keep the incisions clean and dry
• Sleep on your back with your upper body slightly elevated
• Attend follow-up appointments as scheduled
• Do not submerge open/healing incisions (no hot tubs, baths, swimming pools, etc.)

When will breast augmentation scars fade?

Initially, breast lift incisions will close and appear red or pink. After this, the breast augmentation scar will develop and should continue to fade and flatten over a number of months. During this time, it is important to continue scar care as directed. For many women, the healing and fading timeline for breast augmentation scars lasts for up to 6 – 12 months, with scars ultimately becoming smooth and white- or skin-toned in many cases. If you have additional questions about what to expect as your breast augmentation scars or incisions heal and fade, don't hesitate to schedule a consultation with us.

Give your feminine curves a boost with breast augmentation surgery in Orange County, CA

Whether you have naturally small breasts or lost breast volume after weight loss or breastfeeding, breast augmentation surgery can be a life-changing procedure for accentuating your curves. To learn more about your options for breast augmentation surgery in Newport Beach, CA, call SSK Plastic Surgery to schedule your one-on-one consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sean Kelishadi today.