How to Remove and Prevent Scars from Breast Augmentation (Armpit, Inframammary Fold) | Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon

Marks remaining at the incision site after breast augmentation are a concern for many, as much as the surgical outcome itself. During the process of incising the skin to insert implants, a scar may remain at that site. "Can an existing mark be lightened?" is the first question we often receive in the consultation room. To answer directly, improvement can be expected if treated according to the scar's type and stage, and proper initial management can help prevent them.

When performing breast augmentation, the incision site is chosen to minimize the visibility of the scar. This is usually done in one of three areas: the armpit, the inframammary fold, or around the areola.

• For augmentation surgery, incisions are often made in the armpit or inframammary fold.
• For reduction surgery, incisions are made along the border of the areola.
• Regardless of the location, the incision site typically leaves a straight, reddish mark.
• The location and method of implant insertion are determined by a plastic surgeon based on the patient's condition.

It is not possible to definitively say which area is right or wrong. The specialist chooses the most appropriate method for implant insertion.

The armpit is an area with a lot of movement, so even if the incision is made along a wrinkle line, marks can sometimes remain as the skin is pulled downwards after augmentation surgery. If the breasts are enlarged beyond their original size, the skin is stretched considerably, making it difficult to avoid marks.

However, comparing the armpit and inframammary fold, from a scar perspective, the armpit tends to have fewer occurrences. Therefore, if there is a choice, we often advise in cosmetic surgery scar consultations that the armpit is more advantageous for scar prevention. Of course, individual differences may exist.

The timing of treatment affects the outcome. You can receive laser scar treatment at a dermatology clinic 1-2 weeks after stitches are removed.

This is because starting when the scar is an early, reddish type can lighten the mark more quickly. Treatment is also possible for old surgical scars that have settled over time, but the prognosis is generally reported to be smoother with early intervention.

In the case of old breast augmentation scars, they may not disappear completely, but you can expect about 50-70% improvement. Results may vary depending on individual constitution and scar condition.

For questions, inquire via chat consultation regarding breast augmentation scar treatment

Even with the same surgical scar, the approach differs depending on its shape, size, and height. Some may be widely spread, while others may be raised like keloids.

For raised scars like keloids, surgical removal can leave an even larger mark, so a laser treatment approach is often better. Keloids are also related to individual constitution, making treatment more challenging. In the past, there were no suitable methods other than injection therapy, but now, for keloid and hypertrophic scar treatment, Ultrapulse Encore laser and low-pain injection therapy are combined to observe the progress.

If the incision line remains as a line, scar treatment using the Pinhole Technique can refine the straight mark into a dotted line, making it less noticeable.

Since skin tension is the cause of scar formation, reducing this tension is key to prevention. The following daily care can be helpful:

• Start laser treatment quickly when the scar is an early, reddish type.
• Consistently use scar ointment.
• Disperse tension at the incision site with tape.
• Avoid excessive movement or irritation to the marked area.
• If no change is observed, do not neglect it; seek medical consultation.

When only ointment is used, the degree of improvement is not significant. If tension is the issue, combining it with taping is often more helpful. Since the appropriate method varies by scar type, finding the right combination for your scar is important.

There's no need to be overly anxious immediately after surgery, but an early check-up when reddish marks begin to appear can make it easier to establish a future management plan. Scars should be understood as a process of gradually lightening over several stages, rather than disappearing all at once.

Even if you have old breast augmentation scars and have given up hope, we can discuss suitable methods based on your current condition.

Dr. Sang-Joo Lee, Chief Director (MD, PhD, Yonsei University College of Medicine and Graduate School; Completed Dermatology Residency at Severance Hospital; President of the Korean Society for Dermatology) Dr. Sang-Joo Lee's Profile First Published 2023-08-07 / Last Reviewed 2026-06-16

Scar progression and treatment response may vary from person to person, so please confirm an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan through consultation with medical staff.