How to Prevent Breast Explant Surgery Scars Despite its resounding success, breast explant surgery is not without its drawbacks. There is a significant chance of post-surgical scarring. The chances of poor scarring are even greater if you are prone to sun exposure and participate in strenuous activities immediately after the procedure. Scarring may also be wider, elevated, or crooked. To prevent this, you must avoid smoking and other harmful habits before the surgery. Smoking increases the risk of complications and poor skin healing. The level of melanin in your skin also influences scar tendencies. For instance, people of Asian descent have higher levels of melanin than those of other races.
Keloid scars
If you’ve had breast explant surgery, you’ve probably noticed the dreaded keloid scar. These raised, red clusters of scar tissue can occur anywhere on your body, but are most common on your breastbone, earlobes, shoulders, and chest. People with dark skin are more likely to develop keloids, but it’s also possible to get them as you age. In either case, you can try steroid injections to reduce redness and itching and to reduce the size of your scar.
Hypertrophic scars
Cosmetic surgery can lead to a scar. Hypertrophic scars form due to the excessive production of collagen. They are typically contained to the incision and will not extend beyond it. However, genetics can play a role in the development of these scars. Fortunately, there are some key ways to minimize the possibility of hypertrophic scars and improve the aesthetics of your body. Listed below are some of the most common ways to reduce the risk of hypertrophic scars.
En bloc removal
If you are unhappy with your scars from a previous breast implant surgery, you may want to consider en bloc removal. This type of surgery removes the entire implant while leaving the capsule intact. This method is often preferred when the implant ruptures or if you have an ALCL, a type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, associated with the breast implant. It removes the entire implant, keeping the cancer cells separate from surrounding tissue. En bloc removal can be performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon, like Dr. Albert Andres. He can assess your situation and determine if this is the best option for you.
Bio-oil
Using Bio-Oil can help minimize the appearance of breast implant scars. Bio-oil works best if applied in a circular motion to the scarred area. It is advised to apply the product daily for at least three months for maximum results. You may experience temporary results or permanent ones, depending on the severity of your scarring. Follow the instructions carefully and apply them as often as required for the best results.
Post-operative care
There is specific post-operative care for breast explant surgery scarring. Following this care will minimize the chances of infection and minimize scarring. Depending on the type of surgery, topical scar creams and other treatment options may be used to soften scarring and reduce its appearance. The incision will need to heal before these products can be applied. Gentle massage may also help soften the scar tissue and improve the appearance of the scarred area.
Source: https://blogsurgery.net/how-to-prevent-breast-explant-surgery-scars/