Scars are an important consideration for Asian patients undergoing breast augmentation since differences in skin type can affect the way scars form and heal. Compared to Western women, Asian patients may be more prone to developing certain types of scars. For this reason, scar management is central to our discussions about Asian breast augmentation.
During our consultations in Sydney, Dr Ellis Choy explains where surgical scars will be located, how they typically appear in the months after surgery, and what steps can be taken to support healing. Scar care can continue with aftercare strategies that reduce scar visibility and improve skin recovery in the months and years after surgery.
What to Expect From Scars After Breast Augmentation
Incision Locations and Resulting Scars
When you undergo breast augmentation, the incisions are placed to allow access for the insertion of implants while keeping scars as discreet as possible. The most frequently used incision site is the breast fold, also called the inframammary fold. The size of this incision will depend on the type of implant that you and Dr Choy decide to use.
Length and Visibility
The length of your surgical scar will depend on the type of implant and the technique used. In most cases, the scar is a few centimetres long and positioned so that it is less visible in daily life. While the scar will not disappear completely, it typically fades in colour and becomes flatter with time. The degree of visibility varies from person to person.
Healing Process
In the first weeks after Asian breast augmentation, your incision and scar will look red or slightly raised. As your body continues to heal, the scar tissue gradually softens, and the colour usually lightens. Complete scar maturation can take several months, and following the instructions given to you after is important for helping your scars to settle during this time.
Why Asian Skin Is More Prone to Keloid and Hypertrophic Scars
Asian skin has certain biological differences that make scar tissue after surgery behave differently compared to other skin types. Higher levels of melanin and variations in collagen activity can increase the likelihood of keloid or hypertrophic scars, which are raised, thickened areas of scar tissue. These scars form when the body produces too much collagen during the healing process, extending beyond the original incision in the case of keloids or remaining raised within the incision line as hypertrophic scars. Genetics can make some patients more predisposed to these scars, regardless of how carefully the incision is cared for.
At-Home Methods to Minimise Scarring After Breast Augmentation
Wound Care Basics
Scar management begins with proper wound care. Keeping the incision sites clean and dry helps reduce irritation and lowers the risk of complications. Following all of the instructions given by your surgeon about cleansing and dressing changes is an important part of supporting healthy healing. Make sure to avoid unnecessary pressure or friction around the incision area to allow the skin to recover without added stress.
Scar-Reducing Products
Once the incisions have healed, topical products can be used to soften and flatten a surgical scar. Silicone sheets and gels create a protective barrier over the scar while helping to regulate moisture. Some patients may also be advised to use specific creams that support skin repair, but these should only be used under the guidance of Dr Choy.
Lifestyle Factors
Daily habits can influence how scars develop. We will remind you to protect your skin from direct sun exposure because UV light can darken scars and make them more noticeable. A balanced diet, good hydration, and avoiding smoking all contribute to the body’s natural healing processes. At a later stage, we may teach you gentle massage techniques to improve scar texture once your skin is ready.
Professional Scar Minimising Treatments
Laser Resurfacing
Laser technology uses concentrated light energy to treat specific layers of the skin. Different types of lasers work in different ways, either by removing very thin layers of tissue, stimulating collagen remodelling, or targeting blood vessels in scar tissue. When applied appropriately, lasers can improve how scars look and feel.
- CO₂RE: CO₂RE is an ablative laser resurfacing treatment that carefully removes thin layers of skin to smooth raised scars and reduce areas of hyperpigmentation. It encourages new collagen production and helps the skin heal evenly. We often use this treatment for patients with thicker or more textured scars following Asian breast augmentation.
- PicoWay: PicoWay is a nonablative laser that delivers rapid pulses of energy into the skin without removing tissue. This stimulates scar remodelling beneath the surface and is useful for scars that are firm or irregular in texture. Because it does not ablate the skin, PicoWay generally involves shorter recovery times than traditional ablative lasers.
- Vbeam Prima: Vbeam Prima is a vascular laser that targets redness in scar tissue. Focusing on the small blood vessels within the scar helps reduce colour and improve the overall appearance. This option is often recommended when scars remain red well after the initial healing period.
Radiofrequency Microneedling
Radiofrequency microneedling combines fine needles with radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen remodelling in Asian breast augmentation scars. The needles create microchannels while the heat from the radiofrequency energy penetrates deeper and encourages new collagen and elastin production. We use devices like Secret RF and Profound RF to improve scar texture and thickness in Asian patients who develop raised or uneven scars after breast augmentation. This approach works gradually, with results becoming more noticeable as the skin continues to remodel over time.
Learn More About Asian Breast Augmentation and Scar Reduction in Sydney
Treatment of scars is an important part of breast augmentation planning, particularly for Asian patients who may be more prone to keloid or hypertrophic scarring. At Asian Plastic Surgery, Dr Ellis Choy provides surgical care at clinics in Sydney and Coffs Harbour with a focus on scar management strategies. We offer guidance on methods ranging from wound care to professional treatments such as laser resurfacing and radiofrequency microneedling to support long-term scar outcomes. To learn more or arrange a consultation, please contact us through our website or call us on 02 8962 9388.