Despite the benefits of breast augmentation surgery, the idea of a breast implant scar can be off-putting to many patients. The good news is, breast implant scars are typically not as noticeable as they are with some other breast surgeries (breast lifts or breast reductions, for example). However, all surgeries that require incisions will result in at least some scarring.

Where Are Breast Implant Scars Located?

There are three main types of breast implant incisions. This means there are three main locations on your skin where surgeons typically make their surgical incisions for inserting breast implants.

Fortunately, no matter where your surgeon inserts your breast implant no scar should be terribly noticeable.

Inframammary Incision

An inframammary incision involves making a discreet incision beneath the breast in the natural crease where the breast meets the chest (inframammary fold). This incision type provides direct access for implant placement and minimal visibility of scarring. It is probably the most common choice for patients and surgeons.

Periareolar Incision

A periareolar incision is made along the border of each areola. This convenient location conceals scars along the areolar edge, making them hardly noticeable over time. Unfortunately, this incision technique is sometimes (rarely) associated with a loss in nipple sensation or difficulty breastfeeding.

Transaxillary Incision

A transaxillary incision is made in the natural folds of the armpit. This allows your surgeon to insert your implants without making any scarring on the breast. It can be difficult to perform revision surgery using the same incisions, however, and even initial implant placement is sometimes more of a challenge.

Breast Augmentation Scar Appearance

Directly after your surgical procedure, your breast augmentation incision sites will typically look red and inflamed. Swelling and bruising around the sites is normal, though your wounds will likely be covered up with surgical dressings and possibly a compression garment.

After several months, you should see noticeable improvements. The breast augmentation incisions will close, and the resulting scars should fade closer to the color of the surrounding skin.

As long as you care for your incisions and subsequent scars properly, they should be far less noticeable after six months to a year — and will fade even more as time goes on. See breast augmentation before and after photos for examples of breast implant scars over time.

Best Breast Augmentation Scar Treatment Options

Even before they undergo surgery, breast augmentation patients often want to know, “How can I hide my breast implant scars?”

The answer is, it depends.

It really depends on where your scars are located, first of all, and how your scars initially heal. Rest assured, there are options for all situations.

But for many who have a periareolar incision, for example, little, if any, scar treatment may be necessary. Instead, you may notice that, with time, the scar simply fades into the outer edge of your areolae.

Of course, not all patients will have the same scar placement. And not all patients will heal the same either. In this case, your main defense against noticeable scars after your breast augmentation procedure is following your surgeon’s post-op instructions closely:

Wear your compression garment
Stay out of the sun
Do not exert yourself physically
Do not strain your incision sites
Keep your incisions clean and dry
Get plenty of rest
Drink plenty of water
Avoid alcohol and smoking

You may also consider discussing any of the following treatment options for breast augmentation scars with your plastic surgeon:

Scar massage
Silicone gel or silicone sheets
Laser scar treatment
Scar tattoos

FAQ: Breast Augmentation Scarring and Recovery

Will I have a scar after a breast lift with implants?

Yes, a breast lift and implant scar will usually be along the inframammary fold (the breast crease where the breast meets the chest wall). This is for patients who have an anchor incision breast lift (three incisions: one around the areola, one down from the areola to the breast crease, and one along the breast crease).

If you only require a periareolar incision for your breast lift (an incision made around the areola), then your surgeon may be able to insert your implants through this incision site as well. It really depends on your anatomy and goals.

Does fat transfer breast augmentation leave scars?

Typically, fat transfer breast augmentation scars are hardly noticeable. Only liposuction to harvest the unwanted fat will require small dot-like incisions (the fat transfer process only requires injections). These lipo scars should fade well into your surrounding skin and are often completely invisible after several years.

What are breast implant scar tissue symptoms?

Scar tissue is simply the new tissue (cells and collagen) that forms after a cut or incision is made on and beneath the skin. Scar tissue covers the wound to protect your body.

On the outside, breast implant scar tissue appears red and raised at first. Over time, it typically fades and flattens. Massage and other scar healing techniques can help smooth bumps and lumps that can sometimes occur within scar tissue.

Do breast implant scars go away?

Over time and with proper wound care, your breast implant scars should fade significantly. If they start out raised right after surgery, you should notice that they flatten out as well.

Helpful scar treatments such as massage and silicone gel or silicone sheets can help prevent visibility. Always seek your surgeon’s advice first, however.

Is breast augmentation recovery painful?

After breast augmentation surgery, you will likely experience mild discomfort over the first few days. Despite how frequently it is performed and its high success rate, breast implant surgery is still serious surgery. Your skin will be incised, and your breast tissue and muscles will be agitated and become inflamed. It will take some time for your body to heal and adapt.

Set Up Your Consultation Today

Whether you’ve always wished for bigger breasts, have struggled with breast asymmetry, or are looking to add volume after pregnancy or weight loss, breast augmentation with implants can be a worthwhile procedure. When you work together with an experienced surgeon like Dr. Ashley Steinberg, you’ll be able to find the ideal incision placement for your surgery.

Booking a consultation appointment with board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Steinberg is quick and easy. At your breast enhancement surgery consultation, you can learn more about breast augmentation cost, the recovery period, your candidacy for breast implants, and more. Please call today to set up your appointment.