Let's Talk About Breast Lift Scars

The content below is part of the free Bustmob Academy app. Enjoy!

Does a breast lift leave scars?

As with all great things, there’s a trade-off when it comes to breast lift surgery and that trade-off is a scar. But for most women, the scar, that eventually fades to a silver sliver, is well worth the benefits. Breast lifts can:

  • Address areola placement and size
  • Remove damaged, excess skin
  • Change breast shape

Because breast lifts don’t significantly change the breast size, the procedure is often paired with breast implants to add volume or a breast reduction to make the breasts smaller. 

You can learn more about breast lifts with implants and reductions in the free Bustmob Academy app

Breast reduction and breast lift by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Cedric Hunter at Amelia Aesthetics Raleigh 
Breast reduction and breast lift by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Cedric Hunter at Amelia Aesthetics Raleigh 

Is there a scarless breast lift? 

No, there is no way to remove damaged skin and reposition the breast tissue effectively, which is what a breast lift does, without creating an incision. If someone tells you they can do a scarless breast lift, our advice is to not give them your money or time.

Our goal is to be honest with you so you are prepared with as few surprises as possible when it comes time for your consultation. Which is why we created the free Bustmob Academy app with a full breast lift series to give you all the information you need before your consultation. 

Breast lift scars after one year are a lot different than breast lift scars in the first six months. 

The good news is most of the lift scars you’re likely to see in a before and after photo from a board-certified plastic surgeon’s office are often taken before the scars are completely healed. 

So if you think it's a noticeable scar, you’re right. But, it won’t stay that way. 

Breast lift and breast augmentation with implants by Dr. Rafi Fredman at Amelia Aesthetics St. Louis
Breast lift and breast augmentation with implants by Dr. Rafi Fredman at Amelia Aesthetics St. Louis

Around the 3-6 month mark, which is when most certified plastic surgeons take their after photos, scars are actually at their darkest and will continue to heal and fade over time. 

We hear all of the time in the Bustmob Community, a supportive space for women interested in plastic surgery, women sharing their experiences with the decision to get a breast lift, the recovery, and of course, the scars. 

To hear their stories, ask questions, and connect with the plastic surgeons of Amelia Aesthetics during live Q&A sessions, join the Bustmob Community

Anchor breast lift scar at 6 months post-op vs. 2 years post-op
Anchor breast lift scar at 6 months post-op vs. 2 years post-op

There are different breast lifts with different scars. 

In fact, there are four types of breast lift scars:

  • Lollipop scar: around the edge of the areola and down the front of the breast
  • Anchor scar: around the edge of the areola, down the front, and along the breast crease
  • Donut scar: around the edge of the areola  
  • Crescent scar: along the top of the areola 

The anchor breast lift scars and the lollipop breast lift scars are the most common at Amelia Aesthetics, but you’ll know exactly what type of breast lift is right for you during your consultation based on the amount of skin to be removed to achieve your desired results. 

Lollipop breast lift scar and anchor breast lift scar incisions 
Lollipop and anchor lift incisions 

The breast lifts are named after their incisions. For example, a lollipop incision or scar comes from a lollipop lift and a crescent lift has a crescent incision or scar. Get the picture?

What’s the best thing for scars after breast surgery? 

Scarring from breast lift surgery is a part of the process, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some things you can do to minimize scarring.  

The healing process takes time so it’s important to keep your scar treatment protocol consistent with your patience held high. Remember, a scar heals over the course of at least 12 months and you’ll want to keep up with any recommendations from your plastic surgeon to reduce the appearance of scars. 

Breast lift and breast augmentation with implants by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Michelle Roughton of Amelia Aesthetics Raleigh
Breast lift and breast augmentation with implants by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Michelle Roughton of Amelia Aesthetics Raleigh

Of course, before adding, removing, or changing anything about your scar protocol, you should check in with your surgeon to ensure that is the best thing for your unique healing. 

Here are some common tips for a less noticeable scar: 

  1. Once cleared by your surgeon, typically around 6 weeks, begin to massage the scar twice daily with Scar Salve or scar gel to soften the scar tissue and reduce its visibility. 
  2. To prevent hyperpigmentation, wear sunscreen and limit sun exposure, especially in the first year. 
  3. Give your body some grace and take lots of progress photos.

Closely following your plastic surgeon’s scar protocol and recommendations, like staying on top of your scar cream after breast surgery, from the beginning will help ensure your incisions heal and your scars look their best. 

See the results for yourself with thousands of breast lift before and after photos in the Bustmob GoalFinder, our unique database with plastic surgery after photos from real women. You can plug in your stats like height and weight to see healed breast lift scars on frames that match your own. 

Interested in a breast lift, but don’t know where to start? 

Check out the free Bustmob Academy app! It's got a bunch of super fun and informative videos that make understanding your plastic surgery journey a breeze. 

Whether you're curious about common myths, have burning questions, want to know about recovery time, or just want to get the lowdown on costs, Jenny Eden, the founder of Bustmob, and Gretta Nance, educator at Amelia Aesthetics, have got you covered! 

The team at Amelia Aesthetics created this app with easily digestible content that's totally enjoyable to watch, so you can dive into your plastic surgery research in the most entertaining way possible.

You’ll find resources like the Bustmob GoalFinder to help you find your wish picture and access to the Bustmob Community and Ask a Surgeon Group. Shop for Scar Salve, and a lot more. 

Want to feel empowered and informed even before your consultation? Well, we’ve got just the combo for you, Simply team up the Bustmob Academy app with the incredible Bustmob Community, and you'll be well on your way to gaining all the knowledge and support you need. 

With our free resources at your fingertips, you'll be armed with confidence, education, and a sense of community like never before.

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contributors
Jenny Eden
Founder, Bustmob Community
Gretta Nance
Lead Educator, Amelia Aesthetics
Ready to learn everything about plastic surgery?
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