If you are thinking about having a breast lift, you may have questions about your recovery and the scars that will be left behind. Many women ask, “How long before breast lift scars are healed?” Breast lift scars typically take about three to four weeks to fully close up and between 12 and 24 months to reach their final state.
You may wonder, “Will my breast lift scars be healed after one year?” Yes. Breast lift scars healed after one year are often flatter, softer, and lighter than they were during the first few months. Your incisions will be fully healed by then, but the appearance of your scar may still change until about the two-year mark.
Everyone heals differently, so the final appearance of your scars will depend on your genetics, skin type, the technique used by the surgeon, how well you care for your incisions while you are healing, and more.
Breast Lift Scar Healing Timeline
It takes scars a while to heal, and the process is gradual. There is no exact timeline because everyone’s skin can be different, their incisions can be in different locations, and their body performs repairs at its own speed.
The breast lift scar healing timeline chart below should be considered just an example of what you might expect.
| Healing Stage | What Scars May Look Like |
|---|---|
| Early healing (first few weeks) |
|
| Three to six months |
|
| Six to twelve months |
|
What Do Breast Lift Scars Look Like After One Year?
By the time your incisions have healed one year, breast lift scars are normally lighter and flatter than they were just after your surgery. Scars can continue to change for up to two years. At a certain point, your surgeon will give you the ok to use scar gels or other approved topical scar treatments to reduce their visibility.
After a year, your breast lift incisions are healed, but your scars may still be changing. You may notice:
- Less redness or dark areas.
- The scars are flatter and do not feel as rough.
- The color of the scar blends in better with the rest of your skin.
- There are still some areas that are more noticeable than others.
Because every patient’s anatomy, surgical plan, and healing process are different, results can vary. Explore our breast lift before-and-after gallery to see examples of outcomes achieved by Dr. George Min.
Where Are Breast Lift Scars Located?
The location of your scars will depend on the technique the surgeon uses to perform your breast lift, your anatomy, skin laxity, breast shape, and the amount of lift and correction needed. Women who have a significant amount of loose skin to remove and more extensive correction usually require more extensive incisions. The most common incision techniques include:
Periareolar: The incisions run around the edge of the areola.
Vertical (lollipop): Incisions are created around the areola and straight down to the breast crease.
Anchor (inverted-T): Incisions are made around the areola, down the center of the breast, and along the breast crease, similar to an anchor shape.
What Can Affect Breast Lift Scar Healing?
There are some things that can affect the way your healed breast lift scars look, including:
- Your genetic makeup.
- Your skin’s tendency to scar.
- Tension that might be placed on the incision while it is healing.
- Smoking or nicotine use.
- Sun exposure.
- Infection or issues with wound healing.
- Following your specific aftercare directions.
What You Can Do To Help Breast Lift Scars Heal Well?
It is impossible to completely prevent scars, but taking great care of your incisions can help your scars heal properly and fade to be less visible. Some of the recovery tips to help get the best results include:
- Following all your post-surgery instructions.
- Attend all your scheduled follow-up visits.
- Don’t overstretch or put tension on your incisions unnecessarily.
- Use silicone gel or silicone sheets that are approved by your surgeon and designed to minimize visible scarring.
- Protect your incisions from the sun.
- Don’t smoke or use nicotine during your recovery.
- Stay properly hydrated and eat a healthy diet to give your body what it needs to repair your incisions.
When Should A Breast Lift Scar Be Evaluated?
Some changes that you may notice about your scars should be reported to your surgeon, even if it has been months since your surgery. Some of these changes may include:
- Redness or warmth that gets worse.
- Drainage from the incision.
- The incision begins to open.
- Pain or itching that continues to get worse.
- Your scar gets thicker or becomes raised.
- The scar tissue starts growing beyond the original incision.
- The scar becomes significantly wider.
What Are Treatment Options For Noticeable Scars After One Year?
Everyone’s body repairs incisions differently, so scar patterns can vary greatly, and sometimes they end up being more noticeable than you expected them to be.
Your surgeon may recommend scar treatment options such as:
- Ongoing monitoring.
- Special silicone treatments prescribed by the surgeon.
- Prescription creams or injection-based treatments.
- Laser or other light-based treatments.
- Surgical scar revision.
Where Can I Schedule A Breast Lift Consultation In Seattle?
Dr. George Min is a board-certified plastic surgeon at Newvue Plastic Surgery who offers breast lifts in Seattle, Bellevue, and the surrounding areas of Washington.
A breast lift may be a good solution for you if your breasts are hanging low and you have excess skin, and a breast augmentation (implants) may be what you need if you desire to replace lost volume or increase the shape and size of your breasts. Many women undergo a combination of both to get the results they are looking for.
The team of experts at Newvue Plastic Surgery can help you determine the surgery or procedure that will help you get the results you want. Set up your consultation today.
FAQs
Are breast lift scars fully healed after one year?
Many breast lift scars are well healed after one year and are often flatter, softer, and faded, but they can continue to change for up to 2 years.
Do breast lift scars disappear completely?
No. Breast lift scars do not completely disappear, but most gradually become less noticeable. Usually by the 2 year mark, your scars will be done changing and have reached their final results.
Why is my breast lift scar still red after one year?
Some scars can stay pink or red longer than others. The healing process can vary for each patient, but if the redness keeps getting worse or is accompanied by pain or drainage, contact your surgeon.
Can raised breast lift scars be treated?
Yes. Scars that heal more raised than flat may be treated with silicone therapy, prescription treatments, laser therapy, injections, or other prescription treatments.
When can silicone gel be used?
Once your incisions have scabbed over and your surgeon gives you the all clear, you can begin using silicone gel or sheets. You do not want to start using these treatments too early because it can interfere with the initial healing process.
