How to treat areola scars after a breast lift
A breast lift, or mastopexy, can rejuvenate the breasts and restore their youthful appearance. However, one concern that patients often have is the development of scars around the areola. We reached out to experienced plastic surgeons to learn about how scars develop, what patients can do at home, and the range of in-office treatments available to alleviate this concern.
Understanding the nature of areolar skin
“The areolas, or the skin around the nipple, is darker than the rest of the breast skin. The position of the areolar skin on the breast may also contribute to the perception of symmetry between the two sides. Functionally, the nipple and areola contain contractile tissue that responds to various external stimuli such as touch and temperature. This can cause them to change shape and texture. Because of this, they also have a higher density of nerve endings, and they can be much more sensitive than the surrounding skin,” says Pittsburgh plastic surgeon Leo R. McCafferty, MD explains.
Home remedies to cure scars
“Good surgical technique can help scars heal smoothly. Controlling stress is paramount with wound closure. Often times, scars get worse before they get better. Scarring around the areola should be expected after mastopexy, and time should be given for the scarring to improve,” says Pittsburgh plastic surgeon Justin K. Williams, MD.
To help heal the scar, Dr. Williams adds, “In scar formation, scar massage, and the use of silicone-based scar therapy can be helpful. These do not cause immediate improvement, but can help soften the scar gradually. I recommend it in every patient. “…
In-office solutions
“Topical treatments are based on silicone because it’s a proven ingredient that helps improve the appearance of scars,” says Miami plastic surgeon Sean Simon, MD. “It can be in ointment form or in silicone tapes. I prefer ointment because it can be applied as needed and is easier to use than tape, which falls off, is very expensive, and loses its stickiness easily.”
For more complicated cases, Dr. “Kenalog (injectable steroid) is used to break down excessive scar tissue as seen in keloid or hypertrophic scars,” suggests Simon. Typically, in my practice, it is used as a scar revision preparation. When used to soften a thick scar before revision, the chance of another very thick scar forming is reduced.”
Laser treatment
New York plastic surgeon Mukhtar Asadi, MD. notes, “As a rule, scars in and around the areola are better treated than the skin of the breast. He recommends “scar massage with silicone gel and laser treatment for patients with lighter skin tones.”
Dr. Asadi also highlighted the use of lasers for specific conditions, stating, “In other cases, such as older, mature scars, I will often use an inferior laser such as fractional CO2 to treat and refine the scars.”
Sometimes a combination of home treatments and various in-office procedures are needed, but as experts note, early intervention can improve the appearance of a scar. It is important to consult an experienced plastic surgeon for an individualized treatment plan for post-breast lift scars.
