Scar Management Secrets: Navigating the Journey of Breast Lift Surgery

Undergoing breast lift surgery, or mastopexy, can be a life-changing decision—one that helps patients achieve their aesthetic goals, improve their physical comfort, and boost self-confidence. When considering breast lift surgery, many patients are concerned about what type of scars to expect after their procedure. As a board-certified and highly skilled plastic surgeon, Dr. Lisa Cassileth understands these concerns and takes great care to minimize scarring and educate patients on scar management. Understanding the types of scars you might have, how different surgical techniques affect scarring, and the best post-surgical scar care practices can help you achieve optimal results.

What Type of Scars Will I Have After Breast Lift Surgery?

• Anchor Scars: These full breast lift scars resemble an anchor shape, with one line around the areola, one vertical line from the areola to the breast crease, and one horizontal line along the breast crease. 
• Lollipop Scars: A vertical breast lift, also known as a lollipop lift, repositions breast tissue near the top of the breast. This technique involves scars around the areola that extend vertically down to the breast crease.
• Donut Scars: A “donut” lift is sometimes called a “no scar” lift because scarring along the edge of the areola is barely noticeable. This technique, which involves a small crescent-shaped scar along the upper half of the (periareolar) or around the areola (circumareolar), can be used for minor lifts in which nipple placement is not an issue. 

How Different Breast Lift Techniques Can Minimize Scarring

For many of her breast lift patients, Dr. Cassileth recommends an innovative procedure that she developed called the pocket breast lift. This technique repositions breast tissue under the pectoral fascia, a thin, but strong layer of tissue that covers the chest muscle. This allows for higher-sitting, beautiful breasts with less tension on the skin and thinner scars. 

A surgeon’s experience and attention to detail can also make a difference in the appearance of scars after surgery. In every procedure she performs, Dr. Cassileth uses meticulous suturing techniques to ensure that scars heal as flat and thin as possible.

Post-Surgical Scar Care

• Follow Your Surgeon’s Instructions: Dr. Cassileth will provide you with post-operative guidelines that are tailored to your needs. Adhering to her instructions on wound care, medications, and activity restrictions will help ensure proper healing. 
• Keep the Incisions Clean and Moisturized: Regularly cleaning your incisions and applying any recommended topical treatments can prevent infection and inflammation. 
• Protect Your Scars from Sun Exposure: UV rays can darken scars and make them more noticeable. It’s vital to keep the scarred areas covered and use sunscreen with a high SPF when exposed to the sun.
• Stay Hydrated and Maintain a Healthy Diet: Proper hydration and nutrition are fundamental for overall healing. A diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as zinc, can aid in the skin’s repair processes.
• Discuss Additional Treatments: If you are prone to dark scarring, you may want to consider post-surgical treatments such as IPL or other non-surgical procedures that can help fade scars once you are fully healed.  

Contact Us

Dr. Cassileth is dedicated to empowering her patients to make educated choices. The best way to learn more about your breast lift options is to schedule a consultation appointment, which is your opportunity to ask Dr. Cassileth any questions and get personalized recommendations.