Does Breast Lift Surgery Leave Any Visible Scarring?

A breast lift (mastopexy) is a surgical procedure that addresses sagging breasts to create a more youthful body contour. The surgery offers long-lasting results, but does it also leave long-lasting scars? This blog answers the question, “Does a breast lift leave scars?” with tips on how to support your healing process for an optimal outcome. 

Where Are Breast Lift Incisions Located? 

Dr. Gougoutas offers four different breast lift incision options, based on the amount of correction you need to achieve your aesthetic goals: 

• Crescent Incision: The small, half-circle incision along the areola (pigmented area around the nipple) allows for mild correction. 
• Periareolar (Donut) Incision: This incision encircles the areola for mild to moderate correction. 
• Vertical (Lollipop) Incision: For moderate sagging, this incision adds a vertical incision down the center of the lower breast to the periareolar incision. 
• Anchor Incision: Patients requiring the most correction may have the lollipop incision combined with a horizontal incision along the lower breast crease. 

Dr. Gougoutas will discuss your needs and goals at your initial consultation to determine the ideal surgical plan. Rest assured, Dr. Gougoutas always aims to minimize visible scarring while achieving an optimal outcome. 

A Healing Timeline for Breast Lift Scars

Like all surgical incisions, breast lift incisions take time to heal, so be patient and follow all your post-operative instructions as you await your outcome. This timeline will give you a general idea of what you can expect after your breast lift surgery. Additional activity restrictions and activity guidelines can be found within the breast lift discharge instructions.

Immediately Following Your Surgery 

You’ll go home the same day as your surgery wearing a support garment. If you had an internal bra of mesh used, you may also have drains placed in your incisions. These will be removed in our office several days after your procedure. 

At this stage, you will be swollen and sore around your incisions, which will likely appear red and raised. Your primary concern will be to keep the area around the incisions clean and get plenty of rest so your body can begin the healing process. 

First Two Weeks 

As swelling and bruising largely subside, the incisions should appear less red and begin to flatten out. During this time, your body will continue to produce collagen to heal the wound, which could cause some itching around the incisions. As the swelling subsides, some of the breast skin will begin to flake and should be treated with a scent-free moisturizer. 

We will also remove the drains during this phase, which will help you rest more comfortably. Avoid placing any stress on the incisions, as this can delay healing. Instead, continue to rest, keep your arms lowered, and avoid lifting anything heavy. 

First Three Months 

Once we remove the dressings from your incisions, you can begin to apply silicone strips or a topical gel to keep them soft and hydrated. You may also try gentle massage to break down scar tissue and promote a smoother healing process. Avoid immersing the incisions in water for the first month and refrain from activities that place excessive stress on the breasts for six to eight weeks (lying flat on the breasts during yoga, golfing, Nordic skiing, etc.)

Your incisions should fade to a light pink or brown and flatten, making them less visible. Avoid direct sunlight and wear sunscreen daily to prevent permanent darkening of your scars. 

Final Healing Phase 

It can take 12–18 months before you see the final result of your scars. By this time, they should blend in with the rest of your skin, making them difficult to see unless you are looking closely. Areolar incisions in particular become nearly invisible, as the scars fade into the pigmented area surrounding the nipple.

Most patients are delighted with their results after breast lift surgery and are happy to trade their scars for their perkier, more youthful upper body contour. Check out our before-and-after breast lift photos to see what you might expect once you have healed fully after your surgery. 

Explore Your Breast Lift Options in Seattle, WA 

Breast lift scars are unavoidable, but most patients find that their appearance is minimal and the aesthetic improvement they achieve makes this surgery worthwhile. Dr. Alexander Gougoutas is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in breast enhancements and achieving superior outcomes for his patients.

To learn more about breast lifts in Seattle, call our office at (206) 320-6138 or complete our online contact form.