Breast augmentation, breast lift, and breast reduction surgery all involve incisions that leave scars, but advanced surgical techniques can help minimize their length and visibility. At The Wall Center for Plastic Surgery, Dr. Holly Casey Wall and Dr. Simeon Wall Jr. have each performed more than 5,000 breast augmentation and implant-related procedures.
That considerable experience with aesthetic breast surgery has led our surgeons to develop and adopt sophisticated techniques, including short-scar incisions designed to reduce visible scarring without compromising breast shape or results.
Reducing Breast Scars With Advanced Incision Techniques
Two approaches that can make a significant difference in the appearance of breast surgery scars are the short-scar techniques and strategically placed incisions used by our surgeons. These techniques can reduce the length or visibility of scars while allowing our surgeons to tailor the procedure to your anatomy and aesthetic goals.
Short-Scar Breast Lift & Reduction
Our surgeons perform breast lifts, breast lifts with implants, and breast reductions using techniques designed to minimize scarring. Traditional approaches often use an inverted-T or anchor-shaped incision, which creates scars around the areola, vertically down the lower breast, and horizontally along the breast crease (inframammary fold).
Our short-scar techniques eliminate the horizontal breast crease incision in suitable patients, reducing total incision length by up to 70% compared with traditional anchor-shaped incisions. For breast lifts with implants, our surgeons also use a technique that elevates the entire breast footprint rather than simply repositioning the nipple, helping create fullness in the upper breast and a more lifted contour.
For a closer look at incision patterns, scar healing, and patient results, read our guide to what breast lift scars look like.
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Breast Augmentation Without Visible Scars
Women who don’t want scars on their breasts may be candidates for breast augmentation using an incision in a less visible location, such as the armpit (transaxillary incision). These approaches place the resulting scar away from the breast itself.
Our surgeons may use an endoscope—a thin tube with a small camera and light—to visualize the internal breast anatomy and guide implant placement. This technique can be appealing to patients who are concerned about visible breast scars or prefer to keep their breast augmentation discreet. However, the most appropriate incision location depends on your anatomy, implant choices, and surgical goals.
Smaller Incisions With Preservé® Breast Augmentation
Preservé breast augmentation is another option for minimizing breast surgery scars. This technique uses Motiva® breast implants and specialized instruments to create space for the implant with less disruption to surrounding breast tissue. Compared with traditional breast augmentation techniques, Preservé may allow for smaller incisions, potentially resulting in shorter scars.
Dr. Simeon Wall Jr. and Dr. Holly Casey Wall have extensive experience with Motiva implants, having served as principal investigators in the clinical study supporting their FDA approval. Preservé may be appropriate for patients seeking a modest increase in breast size, depending on their anatomy and aesthetic goals.
How Long Do Breast Surgery Scars Take To Fade?
Breast augmentation, lift, and reduction scars typically become less noticeable over 12 to 18 months as they mature, although healing timelines vary from person to person. Depending on your skin tone, scars may initially appear pink, red, purple, or darker than the surrounding skin before gradually flattening, softening, and becoming less noticeable.
The final appearance of your scars depends on several factors, including incision placement, skin characteristics, individual healing tendencies, and how well you follow postoperative care instructions. While surgical scars are permanent, they often become much less noticeable over time.
How Can You Minimize Breast Surgery Scars After Surgery?
You can help minimize breast surgery scars by following your surgeon’s wound care instructions, protecting healing skin from the sun, and using recommended scar treatments once your incisions have healed. These steps can support healing and improve the appearance of scars over time.
- Follow wound care instructions. Keep incisions clean and care for dressings as directed by your surgical team.
- Protect healing scars from the sun. Once incisions have healed, use clothing or broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen to help prevent discoloration.
- Ask about silicone scar treatments. Silicone gel or sheets may help improve the appearance of scars once incisions have fully closed and your surgeon approves their use.
- Avoid unnecessary tension on incisions. Follow activity restrictions and wear your recommended surgical bra to support healing tissues.
- Avoid smoking and nicotine. Nicotine can impair circulation and wound healing, increasing the risk of complications.
Even with excellent scar care, individual healing varies. Your surgeon can recommend additional treatments if scars become raised, thickened, or unusually noticeable.
Explore Your Breast Surgery Options at The Wall Center
Concerned about scars from breast augmentation, a breast lift, or breast reduction? Our experienced plastic surgeons at The Wall Center in Shreveport, LA, can help you understand your incision options and recommend an approach based on your anatomy and aesthetic goals.
Request a consultation online or call (318) 795-0801 to schedule an appointment.