February 27, 2026 | Breast Augmentation
4 minute read
Small breasts make many women feel less feminine and self-conscious about their appearance. Breast augmentation improves the body contour, but what types of scarring does it leave behind? This blog covers what you can expect from breast augmentation scars, from where they are located to steps you can take to minimize their appearance.
Types of Breast Augmentation Scars
Our surgeons use different types of incisions for breast augmentation, depending on the size and type of breast implants used. Common options include:
- Inframammary: horizontal incision across the base of the breast in the crease
- Periareolar: half-circle incision along the lower edge of the areola
- Transaxillary: small incision in the armpit
No matter what type of incision you have, your surgeon will take care to place it in an inconspicuous place where it won’t be easily visible once it heals. Our surgeons also use meticulous suturing techniques and provide postoperative guidelines to help patients care for their breast surgery scars to ensure the best possible results.
Caring for Your Scars After Breast Augmentation
Although you can’t completely control how your incision heals, there are steps you can take to help your breast enhancement scars fade over time:
- Keep incisions clean to prevent infection.
- Use silicone strips or a topical gel.
- Wear your surgical bra as instructed to support healing.
- Ask our team about scar massage.
- Keep your scars out of the sun.
- Avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting.
- Eat a healthy diet and stay hydrated.
We will provide detailed instructions after your surgery, including tips for caring for your incisions. We are also available to address any questions or concerns throughout your recovery.
How Long Does it Take Breast Augmentation Scars to Heal?
Waiting for your breast surgery scars to heal requires patience more than anything else. The incisions will not improve overnight, and will likely look worse before they start to look better. This timeline will help you understand the recovery process:
Initial Healing Stage: Weeks 1–2
When you leave the surgery center, your incisions will be covered with dressings, and you will have a surgical bra to support your breasts as they heal. Bruising and swelling are common immediately after breast enlargement surgery, so your incisions will likely look red and raised at first. The body will be busy working to close the incision and form new tissue in the surgical area.
You may experience tightness and itching in the early days of your recovery process. You can do much to support your recovery process right away by getting plenty of rest, avoiding strenuous activity, and keeping the incisions clean and dry.
Scar Begins the Maturation Process: Weeks 3–8
As healing progresses, you will see your scar lighten to a pink, purple, or brown shade. It will also begin to flatten out. Some patients may notice lumps of scar tissue that may resolve with gentle massage or steroid treatments if massage alone isn’t effective. You can also begin using silicone gels or strips over the incision to hydrate the scar and keep it soft as it heals. It is still imperative to avoid heavy lifting to avoid putting tension on the incisions as they heal.
Healing Produces Noticeable Improvement: Months 3–6
Over the next few months, you will likely see your scars continue to improve and become less noticeable. By the end of six months, the scar will likely take on a light pink or brown color. Swelling should be nearly gone, leaving the scar flat against the skin.
Long-Term Healing and Final Results: Months 6–18
Your final scar appearance should be evident within 12–18 months. At this point, your scar should not be very noticeable to others, fading into the skin crease under the breast or in the pigmented area of the areola. If you are not completely satisfied with your result, laser treatments and chemical peels can be a good way to put the finishing touches on your breast enhancement.
Ready to Learn More About Breast Augmentation in Orange County?
Breast augmentation gives many women the confidence boost they have been looking for. With many options in the types of implants we offer, our skilled plastic surgeons at UCI Plastic Surgery can customize your breast enhancement to your specific needs and goals.
To learn more about this surgery, call one of our Orange County locations today: (714) 456-3077 (Orange), (949) 999-2411 (Costa Mesa), or (714) 456-3077 (Tustin), or complete the online contact form.