- Laser skin resurfacing as well as dermabrasion are two procedures that may be used to improve the appearance of scars after breast augmentation.
- Scarguard®: Scarguard® is a popular scar treatment that combines vitamin E, cortisone, and silicone into a single product.
In this post we”ll discusses When can i start using scar cream after breast augmentation and Breast incision healing stages.
How Long Do Scars Take To Fade After Breast Augmentation
1. Wear a support bra
Wearing a post-operative bra throughout the day and at night following the operation will help to keep your breasts supported, placing less stress on the scar.
It is important that you don’t wear an underwired bra as the wiring can rub and irritate certain scars. A post-operative bra will usually have a soft but strong underband, which offers support while still being gentle against the skin.
2. Use creams
You will encounter several different types of cream when you opt for breast surgery. The three types you are most likely to use are:
- Anti-bacterial cream. Occasionally, you will be required to apply this cream to protect against infection. The use of this cream will very much depend on the post-operative instructions given out by your surgeon. It is important that you follow these instructions closely.
- Softening cream. This type of cream should only be applied after the wound has healed. It will keep the scar flexible, and in some cases hydrate the area. There are no conclusive studies that show these creams are 100% effective.
- Silicone treatments. This is by far the most well regarded treatment among the medical community for reducing scars. See below for more information.
3. Apply silicone treatments
Silicone treatments help to hydrate the scar tissue, producing softer, flatter scars. They also act as a barrier to bacteria. The material is ‘breathable’, preventing the scar tissue from becoming sweaty and irritated, and can in fact reduce the itching feeling that comes with scars. They should only be started once the wound has fully healed after 2-3 weeks.
These treatments usually come in two forms:
| Thin plaster-like strips of different shapes that fit under the breast and around the nipple. Some brands can be washed and reused. | A runny substance that is spread or painted on before quickly drying. It can be applied several times a day and provides similar benefits to sheets, though with greater flexibility. |
4. Gently massage the area
Gentle massaging helps to soften and flatten the scar. This must only be done once the scab has disappeared on its own. Use cream or oil to aid this process. The pressure can also increase blood flow in the skin, speeding up the healing process. Scars are made up of collagen that has knitted together to heal any wound that has been made. Massage helps to distribute the collagen, preventing it from building up.
See our page How to massage scar tissue after breast surgery for more information.
5. Stop smoking
Smoking reduces blood flow, and consequently the amount of oxygen, to the skin. This is needed for a wound to heal properly. Smoking can also affect how well white blood cells fight off infection. This impacts on how well your body heals the incisions from surgery, directly affecting what type of scar is left.
6. Eat healthily
Having the right vitamins, proteins and nutrients in your body with allow it to create new tissue and heal as quickly as possible.
7. Drink plenty of water
Keeping yourself hydrated improves the elasticity of your skin and helps the healing process. When skin lacks fluid, the wound will not receive the right amount of oxygen and nutrients to heal.
8. Avoid exposing scars to direct sunlight
Scar tissue after surgery has less protection against UV light so exposure can make them appear darker. They also suffer from sunburn more easily. After surgery, it is advisable to avoid any exposure to the sun and if that is not possible, it is best to use a high factor sun cream.
9. Avoid exercising
You need to do everything you can to avoid putting stress on the scar. This means doing no exercise immediately after the procedure, and only gentle exercise for the first week after that. Your levels of exercise can be increased gradually in line with advice from your surgeon. Normal exercise can usually resume around six weeks after the operation.
10. Keep the wound dry
Although a moist wound will heal faster, getting a wound wet can promote infection. To reduce scarring it is best to keep it out of water. The wound can be kept moist through the use of creams and lotions.
When Can I Start Using Scar Cream After Breast Augmentation
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.