12 Ways To Prevent Scarring After Breast Surgery

Breast surgery is stressful, and it impacts our energy and psyche. Regardless of whether the surgery is cosmetic such as a breast reduction or breast enlargement, or the result of breast cancer or mastectomy - one of the most common concerns is scarring.

Scars And Scar Keloid

For some the scars can be minimal but still visible, while for others who are prone to keloid scarring the scar becomes raised and is very visible. The scar tissue is usually red or pink to start. As a scar heals it can darken and flatten, and if you have olive or dark skin you can often get hyperpigmentation and thicker raised scars.

Thankfully it’s common for scars to fade after a few years leaving a pale white line which can be covered with cosmetics if it bothers you. 

With breast surgery, depending on the type of surgery, the scars can be quite uncomfortable. Often the incisions are along the breast crease or bra line, which can feel irritating and helping the skin heal faster and flatter makes a big difference to discomfort. 

Breast reduction scars can be far more noticeable than with breast enlargement as the surgery is more complex. Some scars if left untreated worsen over time and become even more noticeable.

There are some good natural options post surgery scar treatment that can make a huge difference to the likelihood of scarring.

12 Ways To Prevent Scarring After Breast Surgery

1. Don’t scratch - it can be really hard not to scratch your scar as it can be very itchy, but it’s exceptionally important that you avoid this temptation. 
2. Avoid smoking
3. Don’t exfoliate - exfoliating and scrubbing the area aggravates the scar and makes it prone to keloiding.
4. Say no to the sun tan - sun tanning real or artificial will undo all your good work. Just don’t. UV rays often make the newly created scar tissue darken more and a lot more noticeable.
5. Wait two weeks before applying any scar creams and massage treatments etc. Allow the skin to close properly before using scar minimising techniques. The exception is the use of silicone sheets which are probably recommended by your surgeon which reduce discomfort and itchiness.
6. Choose products carefully. It’s important not to put anything on your scar that may cause rashes or irritation. When your skin is vulnerable pay particular attention to what you use and don’t use. Avoid parabens, alcohol, petroleum products and any washing with perfumed body cleanser and sodium laurel sulphate as this is a strong irritant. 
7. Scar cleansing - cleanse your scars with tepid water once the skin is properly closed.
8. Scar gel - if using a scar gel recommended by your surgeon it’s important to apply it diligently many times a day to avoid keloiding.
9. Nutritional boost - make sure you’re consuming plenty of leafy green vegetables. Starting the day with a green smoothie is a great way to receive the nutritional boost you need to improve the healing process. I always recommend when recovering from surgery to make sure you have a good muli-vitamin, extra Vitamin C and plenty of essential fatty acids. Adding a teaspoon of Evening primrose oil into your smoothie means your body has all the raw materials to create great new skin.
10. Drink plenty of water
11. Scar massage - once the wound is completely closed you’ll gain some incredible benefits with scar massage. This involves very gentle caressing movements with your fingertips. Gently massage both vertically and horizontally and in little circles. This helps to increase collagen and elasticity of the area. (This applies to any scarring). The massage helps stop that itchy feeling and combined with nutritious oils really helps the skin to recover and you experience minimal discomfort. You can massage the affected area for 10 minutes at a time, up to three times a day. Remember - gentle and often is the best approach. It’s great to massage with something like the Scar Smoother which contains Taumanu Oil with incredible wound healing and skin regeneration properties. It stimulates the production of collagen and glycosaminoglycan which are helpful in the treatment of scarring. It also contains kunzea oil which is immediately soothing and calming, kakadu plum extract with vitamin C which reduces scarring, Manuka Oil, Baobab Oil which restores skin flexibility and more. All 100% high potency and natural ingredients.
12. Meditation and breathing exercise - As well as these practical ideas, it’s good for your health and soul to take time to try some mindfulness and breathing exercises to help the brain chemistry and therefore the body chemistry to work optimally.

Prepare Prior To Your Breast Surgery

Managing recovery post breast enlargement, breast reduction or breast surgery of any kind is in your hands. Most people are exhausted after the surgery and don’t have the energy to get ingredients and things to help.That’s why it’s important before the surgery to prepare all the things you need to help recover. Or, if you have a friend who you know is going into surgery, these tips can be used to create a great gift pack which may include some scar reducing creams, oils, and vitamins.

It's Worth The Effort

Preventing and reducing scars takes diligence and discipline, and is a wonderful opportunity to show your breast a little tender loving care when it most needs it. How you care for your breast following your surgery will make a massive difference and is worth every ounce of effort involved. And, remember to get your Scar Smoother prior to surgery if you can. The older the scar, the more stubborn it becomes - so I definitely recommend that you make the effort now.