Depending on the type of procedure performed, cosmetic breast surgery can leave a scar on the breast that is either inconspicuous or noticeable. In some cases, such as Wise pattern breast reduction, the scar on the breast can become thickened and cause irritation along the bra line and around the areola. These breast scars are prone to thickening and widening and should be managed in the early postoperative period to prevent worsening of the breast scar.
The availability of plastic surgery techniques to improve scars go hand in hand with many aspects of cosmetic plastic surgery of the face and body. Cosmetic breast surgery includes breast reduction, breast lift surgery, breast augmentation, and breast implant repair and replacement. In many of these surgeries, an adherence to proper surgical techniques and meticulous attention to detail allow Dr. Karamanoukian to perform these procedures with minimal noticeable scars.
In my practice in Los Angeles, I often see patients who present to my office with breast scars that take away from the cosmetic result of their surgery. Most women undergo a breast surery for cosmetic reasons and are disappointed, rightly so, when their scars are noticeable and thickened. These women often feel as though there is nothing they can do to improve their scars or the shape of the breast so they do not seek definitive treatment.
Breast scar reconstruction follows basic principles of reconstruction and scar revision. Thickened or widened scars can be addressed with a multimodality protocol that incorporates surgical scar revision with non-surgical scar treatments. I perform many of these procedures in my office under local or no anesthesia.
Since Beverly Hills is the hotspot for breast augmentation and cosmetic breast surgery, I am often asked by patients to evaluate breast scars that are noticeable. My approach is simple as I begin my treatments with non-surgical procedures and protocols that the patient can perform at home. These patients are educated and knowledgeable about breast surgery but cannot control the postoperative thickening of the scar.
My advice to these patients is to schedule a comprehensive evaluation in my office at which time I will assess the cosmetic and functional elements of the scar widening and thickening. At that time, I will perform a complete examination and discuss surgical and non-surgical options with the patient.