Breast implant scarring is a serious concern for many women, but modern methods are reducing their visibility
Women who are considering 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 are made to reduce scarring
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.
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.
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.
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.
Professional breast enhancement with minimal scarring
To explore professional breast implant surgery with minimal scarring from a world-class surgeon, contact our office for a consultation.
As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Pfeifer has extensive training and experience with advanced cosmetic surgical procedures. We believe in a forming a close collaboration with our patients, providing the exceptional service and information that will help you comfortably achieve your goals. From improving your confidence to enhancing your overall well-being, Dr. Pfeifer will help you choose a surgical procedure with as little scarring as possible.
Tracy Pfeifer M.D. FACS is a board-certified plastic surgeon, trained and experienced in the most advanced cosmetic surgical procedures available today. Dr. Pfeifer is board certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery and she completed advanced training in Breast Surgery as a Fellow at the prestigious Institute of Reconstructive Breast Surgery in Atlanta, Georgia.