Understanding Top Surgery Scars
Expected Result
Scars are a natural and unavoidable part of top surgery because incisions are required to remove breast tissue and shape the chest. Even with skilled surgical techniques, the healing process always leaves some form of scar tissue. The goal after surgery is to help these scars heal in the healthiest way possible, reducing their visibility over time.
Common Types of Scars
Double Incision Scars
Double incision scars are the most common result of top surgery. They appear as long, horizontal lines running across the lower chest, often stretching from one side to the other. In many cases, there may also be small circular scars around the nipples if nipple repositioning was part of the procedure. These scars are more visible initially but can fade over time with proper care and scar management.
Keyhole or Periareolar Scars
Keyhole or periareolar scars result from less invasive surgical methods, typically performed for individuals with smaller chest sizes. These scars usually appear as a fine circle following the edge of the areola, blending naturally into the surrounding skin. Because the incision area is smaller, these scars tend to be less noticeable compared to double incision scars.
Buttonhole Technique
Buttonhole top surgery combines a larger horizontal scar with a smaller opening (“buttonhole”) to remove tissue while preserving nipple sensation. The horizontal scar resembles that of a double incision, with an additional smaller circle of tissue access. Use of appropriate dressings helps to shield both scar lines and supports optimal healing, especially around the more delicate buttonhole area.
Inverted-T and Lollipop (Fishmouth) Scars
The inverted-T scar appears as a horizontal line across the chest with a vertical extension down the center. This approach is typically used when more skin must be removed or repositioned to optimize chest contour. The lollipop (or fishmouth) scar may surround the nipple and extend vertically. Advanced dressings—particularly flexible sheet masks or gels—offer excellent protection, maintain moisture, and reduce tension, which can lessen scar thickness and visible lines.
Location and Appearance
The exact position, length, and look of the scars depend on several factors: the type of surgical technique used, the individual’s body shape and skin type, and the precision of the surgeon’s work. Over time, proper wound care and medical dressings can help support smoother healing, prevent infection, and improve the final appearance of the scars.
Factors Influencing a Scar’s Appearance & Abnormal Scarring
Genetics and Skin Tone
Genetics
Some people are more likely to develop abnormal scars because of their genetic makeup. If parents or close relatives have a history of hypertrophic scars — which are raised and thick — or keloids — which are raised scars that grow beyond the original wound area — there is a higher chance of similar scarring. This tendency is inherited and cannot be changed, but proper wound care can help reduce the risk.
Skin Tone
Skin tone can influence how noticeable a scar looks. Scars often appear lighter than the surrounding skin, but in people with more pigmented skin, scars can sometimes be more visible. In darker skin tones, scars may also develop more pigmentation changes, making them stand out more.
Wound Healing Process
During healing, the body goes through several stages to close and repair the wound. If an infection occurs or if inflammation lasts too long, the healing process can be disrupted. This disruption can lead to abnormal scarring, such as thick, raised, or uneven scars. Proper wound care and the use of advanced medical dressings can help reduce these risks by keeping the wound clean, moist, and protected.
Raising Arms and Stretching Forces
After certain surgical procedures, such as breast surgery or chest incisions, movements that raise the arms above shoulder level can place stretching forces on the healing incision. Although there is some debate in the medical community about how much arm movement should be restricted, many surgeons recommend keeping arm movements below shoulder height for the first 3–4 weeks. This helps reduce tension on the wound, which can lower the risk of the scar becoming wider or more noticeable.
Restoring Mobility Safely
Once the initial healing phase is over, gradual and guided movement is important to prevent long-term stiffness or reduced shoulder function. Working with a physical therapist during this stage helps restore normal mobility while still protecting the scar. This balanced approach supports both an improved scar appearance and healthy long-term movement.
Other Factors
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can make certain scars, such as keloids and hypertrophic scars, more likely to form. This is because constant pressure inside the blood vessels can damage them and cause more inflammation in the skin. When the skin is inflamed for longer, the healing process may go into “overdrive,” leading to extra collagen buildup in the scar. Using medical dressings that help control swelling and protect the wound may support healthier healing in these cases.
Young Age and Pregnancy
People in their 20s and 30s, as well as those who are pregnant, may also be more prone to keloids. This could be linked to hormonal changes that affect skin repair and collagen production. During these times, the body may produce collagen more rapidly or in greater amounts, increasing the likelihood of thicker scars. Medical dressings that keep the wound moist and reduce tension on the skin can help guide the healing process toward a smoother scar.
How to Minimise Scarring After Top Surgery
What to Do Before Surgery
Maintaining Overall Health
Being in good overall health before surgery is important because the body needs strength to repair itself. Illnesses or certain medications, such as immunosuppressants, can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of scarring. A healthy immune system helps wounds close faster and reduces complications.
Avoid Smoking
Nicotine in cigarettes restricts blood flow, which is vital for carrying oxygen and nutrients to healing tissues. Poor blood circulation can slow down the repair process and increase the risk of wound breakdown or dark, thick scars. Stopping smoking at least three weeks before and after surgery gives the body the best chance to heal well.
Proper Nutrition
Eating foods rich in protein, zinc, and vitamin C helps the skin and tissues repair quickly and effectively. Protein builds new tissue, zinc supports cell growth, and vitamin C helps form strong collagen — a key protein in skin healing. A nutrient-rich diet can make scars softer, lighter, and less visible over time.
Best Scar Treatment After Surgery
Compression and Incision Care (First 3 Weeks)
During the first few weeks after surgery, compression binders help reduce swelling and keep the surgical area supported. Gentle and proper incision care is important to prevent infection, which can delay healing and worsen scarring.
Silicone-Based Scar Treatments and Massage (Starting 3 Weeks After Surgery)
Once the incision is healed enough, silicone-based products such as tape or gel can be applied. These keep the scar moisturized and create an ideal healing environment. Gentle massage at this stage helps the tissue soften, flatten, and blend more smoothly with the surrounding skin.
Reducing Sun Exposure (First 6–12 Months)
Fresh scars are very sensitive to sunlight. Protecting them with clothing or a high-SPF sunscreen helps prevent them from becoming darker or developing uneven pigmentation.
Topical Treatments
Silicone gels or chitosan dressings are often recommended by healthcare professionals for their proven ability to flatten and lighten scars. These treatments work by keeping the scar hydrated and protected from environmental stress.
Non-Surgical and Advanced Treatments for Abnormal Scars
When to Start
Medical dressing treatments for abnormal scars are usually not started immediately after surgery. Most advanced scar treatments begin about 3 months after surgery, once the wound has fully healed and the skin is stable. This waiting period helps ensure the body completes the initial healing phase and reduces the risk of irritation or damage to new tissue.
However, our medical dressings can be applied right after surgery, once the wound is closed. Applying these dressings directly onto the wound early on helps protect the skin and can minimize the risk of scar formation. Using advanced dressings from the start supports better healing and improves the overall appearance of scars, while later treatments focus on improving existing scars.
Steroid Injections
Steroid injections are used to reduce swelling and inflammation in scars that are thick or raised. They work by breaking down extra collagen that causes scars to become wide or hard. This treatment helps flatten and soften abnormal scars over time.
Microneedling/Micropen
Microneedling uses tiny, fine needles to create small, controlled injuries on the skin. This encourages the body to produce new collagen and repair damaged tissue. As a result, the texture and appearance of scars can improve, making them less noticeable.
Microchanneling
Microchanneling creates tiny channels in the skin to allow special serums and skincare products to reach deeper layers. This helps the active ingredients work better, supporting skin repair and enhancing scar healing.
Light and Laser Therapy
- Broad Band Light (BBL)
BBL is a type of light therapy that uses a broad range of light waves to treat abnormal scars. It helps reduce redness and uneven skin color (hyperpigmentation), making scars look less noticeable and more even-toned. - Laser Therapy
Laser therapy targets the tiny blood vessels in scars to reduce redness and thickness. This treatment also encourages the skin’s collagen to rebuild in a healthier way, helping scars become flatter and softer over time.
Medical Tattooing
Medical tattooing is a technique used about 12 months after surgery, once the scar has fully healed and matured. It involves carefully adding color to the scar to match the surrounding skin tone, helping to hide or camouflage the scar. Besides covering scars, medical tattooing can also be used for decorative purposes, such as creating tattoos.
Support Your Healing Journey with Our Medical Dressings
Every healing journey deserves the best care and support. Surgical scars, such as those from top surgery, show a powerful transformation. Managing the appearance of these scars is an important part of healing, and the right medical dressing plays a key role in this process. Our medical dressing manufacturing services focus on creating advanced solutions designed to help manage and improve surgical scars effectively.
Post-Op Infection Defense
In the early stages after surgery, preventing infection is crucial. Our medical dressings contain Ganoderma Lucidum Chitosan, which provides a strong antimicrobial barrier. This helps keep the wound clean and free from harmful bacteria, allowing healing to proceed without interruptions and lowering the chance of developing a poor or unhealthy scar.
Optimal Healing Environment
Top surgery involves large incisions that need the perfect environment to heal well. Our dressings, available in gel and sheet mask forms, maintain the ideal moisture level around the wound. This balanced moisture encourages proper collagen formation, which is essential for smooth healing and helps prevent thick or raised scars like hypertrophic or keloid scars.
Effective Scar Management
After the wounds have closed, scar care remains important. Our dressings continue to support the skin by using the active properties of Ganoderma Lucidum Chitosan to help flatten and lighten scars over time. This advanced care provides a long-term solution for managing the appearance of surgical scars.
Safe and Gentle for Sensitive Skin
Surgical areas can be large and sensitive, requiring dressings that are gentle and safe. Made from plant-derived chitosan, our dressings are hypoallergenic and reduce the risk of irritation. This ensures a comfortable healing experience for sensitive skin, helping patients recover confidently.
We invite partners to develop their own branded line of medical dressings focused on post-operative care. Our products offer targeted, effective, and safe solutions for scar management and wound healing. Together, it is possible to help customers reach their healing and aesthetic goals with confidence. Contact us today to start the journey toward innovative wound care solutions.
