YES! At one week post-op, this is likely due to the surgeon pulling tight on the sutures to shrink the scar down. I leave tape on mine, so you can't worry about it this early! ;)

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Yes, it will resolve.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Without pictures it is hard to say for sure, but it is very normal for the incision site to be raised, bumpy and ridged this soon after surgery. It takes several weeks and even months for the incisions to heal. If things appear to be getting worse over time, rather than better, see you surgeon.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

You are very early after your surgery, and it is common to have swelling after. This should improve over the next 6 weeks and completely be healed by one year after surgery. See your surgeon for further evaluation.

Good luck!

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Thank you for your question. The incisions after a breast lift may appear and feel raised early in the postoperative healing stages. At one week post-op, I would not be concerned. As you continue to heal, there are topical scar creams you can apply to reduce the thickness of the scars. I would discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon, but what you are describing is normal. I recommend Silagen scar cream for my patients.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Much too early to tell. Make sure you follow up with your surgeon.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

This is normal. Stiches under the skin are placed in such a way as to create this look. It serves to minimize tension throughout the scar, which will ultimately lead to a thinner, better looking scar long-term. You should ask your surgeon about post-surgical scar treatments as a way to potentially further improve the appearance of your scar. Understand that you are healing your incision for 6 months. During that time, scars will usually become pink or red and raised. After 6 months they will gradually start to fade and flatten (scar remodeling). This process can take up to a year and a half after surgery to be complete.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

It can be normal for scars to be inflamed immediately post-surgery. It can take up to one year for scars to fully mature and fade. Give your body time to heal, avoid sun exposure, and use a silicone scar treatment.
It is difficult to asses without seeing you in person. We suggest speaking with your surgeon at your next follow up appointment.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

I would recommend that you begin using ScaRxtape on your scars. I recommend this wound therapy for all my patients post-surgery and post-injury. It is inexpensive and easy to use.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Yes. You are very early in the healing period. The scars and breasts will change markedly in the coming months.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Thank you for your question.

Oftentimes patients are concerned with the state of their incision lines immediately following any surgical procedure. Incision lines often appear or feel slightly bumpy or irregular, and it is generally a hard thing for patients to get passed once steri strips and other bandages have been removed. It is important to note that this irregular contour of your incision lines is typically the result of the suturing that has taken place in order to properly and effectively close your incisions. The bumps that patients often feel are the knots of these sutures that will begin to break down over the course of several weeks to several months as your progress in your healing and recovery.

I would recommend addressing any concerns you might have with your board-certified operating plastic surgeon as he/she is most familiar with your procedure and the incisions and sutures that were utilized.

Please keep in mind that scars will take up to 1 year to reach full maturity and it is during this period of time that you will see a continual evolution and improvement in the appearance of your scars. There are also several scar prevention creams that many doctors will recommend, and this is something that might be worth discussing with your surgeon to help facilitate and promote the best results.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

I'm sorry to hear about the concerns you have after your procedure.

You should be aware that a significant percentage of patients at your stage of recovery will feel that they are too big or (more commonly) too small.

I would suggest you wait at least 6 additional months before you make any decisions regarding revisionary surgery. This waiting time will allow you to (potentially) physically and psychologically adapt to the new body image. You may find that what appears “too big” now, may not be so “too big” after this adjustment period.

Clear communication with your plastic surgeon will be important to avoid further dissatisfaction.

I hope this helps.

Published on Jul 11, 2012