A common feature with most surgical procedures, whether minor or major, is scarring. Breast augmentation surgeries are no different. Performed for various aesthetic purposes, mammoplasty operations are among the top most sought after cosmetic surgical procedures. There are benefits that are associated with choosing the right professional when choosing to undergo a mammoplasty or any other cosmetic surgery procedure. The most obvious is one’s own safety and the knowledge that everything will be fine. Healing is an important aspect of any surgery, and everyone involved looks forward to the final moment when the bandages come off.
Scarring is a natural part of the healing process. Fibrous tissue is formed as part of a skin repair mechanism. Collagen forms a basketweave pattern that initiates wound sealing and healing. The texture and composition of scar tissue is different from the original skin. Laser resurfacing is a procedure in cosmetic surgery that is used to remove the external layers of the skin. This is done with an aim to encourage new skin growth removing wrinkles, spots and scars.
Mammoplasty surgeries are invasive procedures that involve making incisions on the patient’s skin. The surgeon makes an incision below the breast, at the armpit region or on the areola itself. The creation of a pocket or a space sufficient to hold the breast implant follows. The use of approved medical grade silicone gel implants is common. However there are alternatives to silicone gel implants such as saline filled implants or newer methods such as autologous fat transfer.
The implant of choice is placed either on top of the pectoral muscles and beneath the breast tissue or under the pectoral muscle and beneath the breast tissue. I cannot correctly assert whether the level of skill of a particular surgeon or licensed practitioner determines to what extent scarring is going to happen. The incisions are sealed once the implants are correctly in place and the regions appropriately bandaged. The healing process lasts up to about six weeks where the individual is advised to wear support garments such as sports bras that help hold up the breast’s mass allowing the healing process to go on smoothly.
Scar formation is dependent on the following factors:
The age of the individual determines much scarring is going to occur. In older individuals the skin is thinner and will hence heal slower forming scar tissue.
- Race of the individual. People of African descent are naturally more predisposed to keloid scarring which causes formation of tough scars that rise above the skin surface. Keloids are known to be persistent over time and do not regress.
- Complications in healing.
- Skin type.
WHAT IS LASER RESURFACING?
Laser resurfacing is the use of carbon dioxide lasers to eliminate scars, wrinkles, overgrown pores and blemishes by inducing new skin growth. The CO2 lasers are a focused beam o0f light that is directed at the specific target area. Depending on the intensity and type of laser beams used, the results may even include skin tightening and an even toned pigmentation.
It is normal to worry about scarring after a successful mammoplasty. The resulting scars may persist for over a year before regression. Laser skin resurfacing can therefore be used to make the scar less noticeable and lumpy. It is important to note that laser resurfacing doesn’t exactly remove the scar, but rather promotes new skin growth over the collagen fibers. This evens out the tone of the scar. Given time, the scar appear to have disappeared.
In summary, scar formation is an important part of healing in any surgical procedure or wound. However, there are scars that deem it necessary for a surgical revisit. These might arise as a result of post-surgical complications such as infections or the tearing of sutures. Minimal movement of the operated regions is advised and antibiotics recommended. Mammoplasties are aimed at improving your breasts’ appearance further enhancing an individual’s overall self esteem.
Dr. Gregory H. Croll is the owner of his own practice, and the leading doctor for plastic surgery in Columbia, MO.
