I Have Terrible Scarring From Breast Surgery: Can Anything Help?

Facing a cancer diagnosis and undergoing treatment is challenging physically and emotionally. Residual scarring can be an unpleasant reminder of this difficult period of your life. The good news is there are steps you can take both during and after recovery to improve the appearance of scars.

Dr. Jennifer Beatty and our top-notch team at The Breast Place in North Charleston, South Carolina, partner with our patients on their journey to better health. We provide state-of-the-art care in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer in a caring, compassionate environment. 

We always consider the whole person, including ensuring the most natural-looking cosmetic outcomes after surgery. A specialized product we offer helps reduce the appearance of raised scars, and we provide a variety of aesthetic options to empower our patients and leave them feeling more confident about their appearance.

Scar formation

As the skin heals itself after being cut or damaged, it grows new tissue made of collagen to replace the lost or damaged skin and close any gaps. Scars can come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and textures, and they often fade over time.

Decreasing scar risk during healing

Following your provider's instructions after breast surgery can help reduce a scar’s appearance later. Some things to avoid include:

Scratching

A wound may itch as it heals, but scratching, rubbing, or picking at a scab can hinder the body's healing process and make scarring worse.

Sunlight

Sun exposure can darken scars and increase the risk of skin cancer. Make sure to always wear clothes or sunscreen with an SPF number of 30 or higher when outside.

Smoking

Smoking makes it harder for the body to heal, and this can make scarring worse. Try to quit if possible.

Ways to reduce scarring

There are also a number of steps people can take to help reduce the appearance of scars from breast surgery after recovery is complete. They include:

Creams or ointments

A medical professional can recommend products for you. For example, at The Breast Place, we offer Super Serum Advance+, which safely stimulates collagen while encouraging healing. It works on raised scars, decreasing uneven skin tone and brightening the skin. Containing both vitamin C and bioidentical copper tripeptide growth factor, it aids in restoring skin elasticity.

An additional option could be an ointment that contains silicone or a silicone gel sheet that you place on the skin. Silicone helps hydrate the scar tissue and can reduce redness while making the scar softer, paler, and flatter.

Scar massage

Massaging the area can help increase blood flow and make the tissue softer. However, it’s important not to begin this self-treatment until the incision is completely healed and a medical professional has given the go-ahead.

Other options

Several other procedures can also help decrease a scar's appearance. These include cryosurgery, in which a special tool freezes scar tissue; corticosteroid injections; and laser treatments.

If you’ve had breast surgery and you’re struggling with scarring, we can help. Click to book an appointment or call us today at 843-797-1941.