Hello. I am Dr. Lee Sang-ju, a board-certified dermatologist. Today, I'd like to talk about scars that occur due to armpit incisions during breast augmentation. It's easy to think that it's fine because it's not a visible area, but for the individual, it can be a significant source of stress in daily life. Let's explore the characteristics of armpit incision scars and how they can be treated.
What do armpit incision scars look like?
Scars that form after an armpit incision can appear in various forms depending on one's constitution. While some may only have a thin line, others may develop hypertrophic scars or keloids, where the scar line thickens or swells. Additionally, the surrounding skin often becomes darkly pigmented.
These scars may show some initial improvement over time. However, after about 6 months, once they have settled, there is usually little chance of further natural improvement. Therefore, at this stage, it is advisable to visit a clinic for appropriate scar treatment.
What if the scar is itchy and hard?
If the scar area is itchy or painful, it's possible that the scar is growing. Keloids, in particular, are characterized by severe itching and a hard sensation in the affected area as the scar enlarges.
If the itching is severe or the area is very hard, it is highly likely to be a keloid. On the other hand, if the scar remains as a line and there is less itching or pain, it may be a hypertrophic scar. For an accurate diagnosis, it is important to visit a specialized scar dermatology clinic and receive an examination from a specialist.
Although keloids and hypertrophic scars may appear similar, their treatment approaches can differ, making an accurate diagnosis essential.
How can armpit scars be treated?
Generally, if an armpit incision scar is very large, surgical scar treatment by re-incising the area may be considered. However, for most armpit scars after breast surgery, it is often difficult to leave a smaller scar than the original, even with reoperation.
One method that can be helpful in such cases is laser treatment. Laser treatment can be used to improve the following types of scars:
- Scars that remain as thin lines
- Scars where the incision site has turned red
- Scars with pigmentation that has turned brown or black
Why is armpit scar treatment challenging?
It is true that armpit scar treatment is more challenging than in other areas due to the frequent movement of the armpit and its tendency to develop pigmentation. However, scar treatment is not impossible. With consistent and appropriate treatment, significant improvement can be achieved.
Don't neglect scars; consult with a specialist
Even if armpit scars are not easily visible, they can cause considerable discomfort in daily life. The treatment approach should vary depending on symptoms such as pigmentation, the degree of scar protrusion, and itching. Therefore, rather than enduring the discomfort, we recommend meeting with a dermatologist to get an accurate diagnosis and determine the appropriate treatment plan for your current condition.