This surgery may be performed on patients who have symptoms of gynecomastia (male breast enlargement), or for cosmetic reasons if you feel that your breasts are disproportionate to your body size. The cost of breast reduction surgery varies based on several factors, including your health insurance coverage, location and hospital fees, doctor fees, and more.
Breast reduction surgery is a procedure that removes excess breast tissue, while preserving the nipple and areola. The procedure helps reduce pain from large breasts and improves self-image. This procedure can reduce back and neck pain as well as shoulder grooving by removing the weight of your breasts.
Read on to learn more about Best Scar Cream For Breast Reduction Surgery and Best Scar Cream After Breast Augmentation and How To Treat An Inverted Nipple Without Surgery
Best Scar Cream For Breast Reduction Surgery
Scars can be beautiful, unique, and sometimes they even tell a story (like the mark of a great wizard⚡️). But if you’re prepping for a breast reduction, you may wonder if you can make the scars disappear.
Can you prevent breast reduction scars?
Scars are a normal part of any surgery, including a breast reduction. (Your skin is getting cut up, and put back together, after all.)
But certain surgical techniques and post-op treatments like massage and silicone sheets can help reduce the appearance of scars.
Here are the best tips to help fade breast reduction scars.
Breast reduction scar healing: It’s all about technique
The first step is finding a board certified plastic surgeon who has a proven record of minimal scarring post surgery. They should be able to show you a portfolio of their work. No one wants to be on the next episode of “Botched.”
Different surgical techniques leave behind different scars. The two main techniques used during breast reduction surgery are known as shorter-scar and larger-scar.
Both techniques use incisions around your nipple or the underside of your breast to reduce the appearance of scars.
Shorter-scar technique = smaller incisions
This technique is ideal for minimizing saggy twins or those who want their tatas juuuust a little smaller (generally down one cup size). But this method isn’t as effective if you want a significant breast reduction.
A shorter-scar technique called the vertical breast reduction (aka “a lollipop”), only includes two small incisions. Basically, the first incision is made around your areola and the second is beneath your areola (like a nipple lollipop).
Once the cutting is done, the surgeon will remove all the goods: tissue, fat, or excess skin before forming your new breast.
Smaller incisions = smaller scars. And, most of the scarring hides right below your nips.
Larger-scar technique = more incisions and larger areas of scarring
Also called an inverted-T (“anchor”) breast reduction, this technique includes three incisions:
- between your areola and under-the-breast crease
- around your areola
- along the crease (horizontally)
An anchor breast reduction is ideal for going down a few cup sizes, especially to reduce sagging and correct significant asymmetry.
Keep in mind: This technique only involves one more incision than the smaller-scar technique.
What do breast reduction scars even look like?
Surgical incision scars leave a thin, raised line on top of your skin. This is known as scar tissue *cue the Red Hot Chili Peppers*.
Like most surgical scars, it’ll be pink, red, or discolored at first. Once it heals, it will flatten and darken. Your scars will likely hang out for a while, taking months to a year to fade.
If you have darker skin, you’re more likely to develop hyperpigmentation. This can also lead to thicker, raised scars called keloids.
Smaller-scar or larger-scar techniques can affect how scarring looks. The larger-scar technique will leave three scars versus the two from the smaller-scar technique. But any incisions made horizontally along the breast crease won’t be very noticeable.
Don’t get in the way of scar healing
Breast reduction scars are more noticeable if left untreated.
You can also increase your scarring by:
- tanning
- smoking
- excessively scrubbing the scar
- itching or scratching
Tried and true breast reduction scar treatments
Just like self-care, find the time to follow your doctor’s orders for all things aftercare.
You’ll need to wear chest bandages and a surgical bra for the first few days or up to a week. That same week, your doctor will schedule a follow-up appointment to explain the healing process and how to take care of your scars.
Before you DIY any scar-minimizing techniques, consult your surgeon –– even after the incisions appear to be closed. Some scar-minimizing techniques include the following.
Embrace dressings
These FDA-approved bandages are used immediately after surgery. They basically pull the edges of your skin together to speed up the healing process. The dressings also contain silicone, and can be worn daily (for up to a year).
A small study on tummy tuck patients showed significant scar reduction after 12 months for those using embrace dressings.
Massage
A scar massage involves gently moving your fingertips vertically, and then horizontally, over your breast reduction scar. Massaging the scars in circles is also key.
Performing this massage is thought to increase collagen and skin elasticity, while also helping discomfort. But, there’s not much research to back this up.
Your surgeon may recommend scar massaging about 2 weeks post-surgery. You can do a daily massage for 10 minutes and repeat that up to three times a day.
Scar gels or silicone scar sheets
Gels and silicone sheets have been a loved over-the-counter hack for scars.
Silicone sheets are essentially bandages made with silicone that help hydrate your skin. This can soothe skin and make it feel more flexible. Silicone sheets can be a life-saver a few days after surgery since they also reduce pain and itching (sweet relief!).
How To Treat An Inverted Nipple Without Surgery
Have you ever looked at your nipples and wondered “Do they look normal”?
Well, just as breasts come in different colours, shapes, and sizes, so do nipples. They could be protruding, flat, or even inverted. You may think that having flat or inverted nipples is weird, but it is actually very common.
Flat or inverted nipples are usually not a cause of worry if they’ve always been that way. They can, however, be cosmetically unsatisfying. They can also make breastfeeding difficult.
You can try to draw out your nipples using home remedies and manually stimulating them using the Hoffman technique. If that doesn’t work out for you, you might want to consider a more effective non-surgical treatment with the Niplette. The Niplette is a painless and inexpensive option to fix inverted nipples without surgery.
Keep reading to learn out more about using Niplette to reverse inverted nipples.
What are inverted nipples?
Nipples are located at the centre of your breasts and are attached to the glands that produce milk (your mammary glands). The areola is the pigmented skin that surrounds your nipples. Together, your nipple and areola form the NAC (nipple-areola complex).
Having short milk ducts can result in flat or inverted nipples. If your nipples are not raised above the level of your areola and instead lay evenly against it, then you have flat nipples. If they pull inwards instead of outwards, even after being stimulated, then you have inverted nipples. Around 10% of women have at least one flat or inverted nipple, so you should know you’re not alone in this.
Even though flat nipples may look different, they should function the same, even during breastfeeding. In some cases, however, it might be more difficult for your baby to latch on to your breasts and breastfeed if your nipples don’t stick out.
How does a Niplette work?
A lot of people wonder “can inverted nipples be fixed without inverted nipple surgery”? The answer is possibly, and it comes in the form of the Niplette.
The Philips Niplette is a simple device that provides non-surgical correction of inverted nipples. It’s made up of a transparent nipple cup and a sealing flange which is attached to a valve and syringe port. It works by applying a gentle suction to your nipples. This repeated suction aims to lengthen the short milk ducts pulling back on your nipples. After a while, your nipples will eventually stick out on their own. By then you might not have to use the device anymore or only need to do so intermittently.
One study showed that more than 80% of women using the Niplette are able to pull out their nipples and fill their Niplette cup by their first follow-up appointment. Furthermore, more than 90% of women are able to discontinue using the device after only three months once they achieve the desired correction. The study also noted that all pregnant women who have used the Niplette have been able to breastfeed without difficulties, although half of them couldn’t breastfeed before.
How to use Niplette
Almost all patients find the Niplette easy to use. All you need to do is follow the below instructions;
- Before setting up the Niplette, rub your nipples with ointment very well
- First, push the syringe firmly into the open end of the valve until it’s secured
- Then, with one hand, place the cup of the Niplette over the areola of your inverted nipple
- With the other hand, pull the syringe as firmly as comfortable
- When you pull on the syringe, the air is withdrawn, and your nipple will be sucked into the cup
- After your nipple has been pulled out, let go of the niplette, and carefully separate the syringe from the valve
After you have completed these simple steps, you can easily hide the Niplette under your clothes and freely go about your day. You should wear it for up to eight hours a day. Remember that you are in control of the suction and you should only pull on the nipple as firmly as comfortable.
Post-surgery bras help you get through the recovery period much easier.
Wound care
Your incisions may bleed for a while after the surgery. Try to clean your wound dressing every day. After 48 hours, it is safe to take a shower. Remove the dressing but do not touch the steri-strips on your incisions. Their design will allow you to wash over them. After taking a shower, put on new gauze dressings and try to change them every day.
As mentioned earlier, swelling is normal during the recovery after breast implants. If it doesn’t subside after a couple of days, your doctor will apply wraps and implant stabilizers during your next appointment.
Slight redness or drainage on your incisions is normal. If this increases substantially and you get a serious fever, contact your doctor and ask for instructions.
Diet: what to drink or eat?
As transparent as it might sound, you need to eat healthy after your operation. Without enough nutrition, your wound will not heal properly and your recovery after breast implants will not have the support of different vitamins, proteins, and their healing properties.
Drinks
Staying hydrated is absolutely essential. Drink lots of non-carbonated and caffeine-free fluids. Herbal tea, Lemonade, and orange juice are highly recommended drinks for breast augmentation aftercare that should be consumed on a regular basis.
Foods
It is recommended to consume bland and nutritious meals for the first couple of days.
Cashews, almonds, pine nuts, etc. are approved remedies for skin tissue. Fruits that boost your immune system can greatly enhance the quality of your recovery period. Consuming apples, oranges, kiwis, and bananas will also help you with nausea.
The consumption of eggs, rice, and soy are also highly recommended. Seafood, sweet potatoes, and beans will also boost your immune system and energy levels.
Try to eat in smaller portions to help both your digestion and immune systems.
Nutritious supplements
Supplements are a good choice for boosting your immune system and your body’s healing capacities, but make sure that they don’t interfere with your medications by checking with your plastic surgeon.
Multivitamin pills, ZMAs, Bromelain, etc. will help you receive ample nutrition for your recovery after breast implants.
Your diet plays a crucial role in speeding up your healing after breast surgery.
Best Scar Cream After Breast Augmentation
Most women undergo Breast Augmentation in Miami to achieve their cosmetic goals, improve self-confidence, and look beautiful. Breast augmentation is an advanced, cutting-edge procedure to get a look you love. However, the procedure can result in scars from incisions.
The good news is that you can reduce scars using different methods, such as scar creams, after breast augmentation. However, it is critical to consult your surgeon before buying a scar cream.
The purpose is to choose the one that aligns with your skin and does not cause complications or adverse effects. Today’s article will give you some essential information about scars and how you can prevent them. Read on!
You may be wondering when the best time is to apply scar cream after surgery. The answer will depend on your surgeon and their recommendations, but in general, they recommend applying it one week after surgery.
What can I put on my breast augmentation scars?
Scars are a common side effect of breast augmentation. Incisions are the primary cause of scars after this cosmetic procedure. Although you can cover your scars by wearing a bra and shirt, you can put or apply silicone sheeting and vitamin E oil on your breasts if you still want to reduce or remove them.
Vitamin E and Silicone sheeting are topical products to soften your breast scars and fade their appearance. However, it would help if you waited until your body’s natural mechanism had healed the incisions.
Otherwise, you may experience complications. Remember, if you fail to apply these topical products on your breasts after healing tissues, it will become even more challenging to reduce the scars’ appearance.
Silicone is an excellent treatment to keep your scar tissue hydrated, softer, and flatter. It also creates a robust barrier that prevents bacteria from penetrating the scar tissue. In addition, silicone sheeting is a breathable material that prevents the scar tissue from irritation, sweating, and itching. Start this treatment after two to three weeks after your incisions have completely healed.
Remember, once you have applied the silicone product, make sure you lightly massage your scars to ensure the product penetrates the tissue and triggers the production of collagen and other proteins necessary for reducing the appearance.
Not only do topical silicone products organize the collagen fibers, but they also increase blood flow to the tissues, resulting in a smoother and flatter scar that fades away over time.
Types of creams for breast augmentation scars
There are many topical products available on the market. However, not all of them are reliable and may cause adverse effects. Therefore, it is wise to consult your surgeon for a cream prescription. Sometimes, OTC creams do not work.
Anyway, your surgeon may prescribe you anti-bacterial cream to fight against infection. The good news is that anti-bacterial creams are also effective against scar tissues. However, following your health provider’s instructions is crucial to achieving optimal results.
Another type of product you can use for fading your scar tissue’s appearance is a softening cream. You can apply this cream after the wound has fully healed. A softening cream will keep your scar flexible and hydrated. A growing body of research evidence has validated the efficacy of softening creams for scars.
Scar Recovery Gels are FDA-approved products to address different phases of scar formation after breast augmentation. Some recovery gels contain organic compounds extracted from plants, such as olive leaf extract, with powerful antioxidant properties to speed up scar healing.
What is the best scar cream for breast augmentation?
Choosing the best scar cream is critical for achieving your goals after breast augmentation. Although dozens of brands and hundreds of products are available on the market, experts recommend Scarguard MD, an FDA-approved cream that can effectively heal and reduce your breast scars.
The product contains potent compounds and nutrients, such as vitamin E, silicone, and cortisone, to accelerate healing. The best thing about this Scarguard MD is its ease of use. Besides, it dries quickly and provides the skin with excellent waterproofing capabilities.
Final Words
Breast augmentation scar treatment is an excellent way to speed up the healing process. Remember, wound, incision, or scar healing takes time, so following your surgeon’s advice after breast augmentation and applying the topical product regularly is wise and beneficial. When your scar matures after 3-6 months, it will start fading away.