Can the scar disappear?
Revision cannot erase a scar.
Treatment may make it less noticeable or more comfortable, but surgery creates a new scar that also needs time to mature.
Breast & Chest
Breast Reconstruction Scar Revision
Breast reconstruction scar revision treats scars left by reconstructive surgery to improve their appearance, relieve tightness, or address discomfort.
When can revision be considered?
Timing depends on scar maturity and your treatment plan.
Many scars soften and fade over a year or longer. Painful restriction or wound problems may need earlier assessment.
Is this another breast reconstruction?
Usually, it is a more focused treatment.
Scar revision targets scar tissue. Changing breast shape, replacing an implant, or revising a tissue flap involves a different or broader surgical plan.
01 · Overview
Understanding your reconstruction scars
Breast reconstruction can leave scars across the breast, around the reconstructed nipple, or at incision junctions. Scar revision focuses on these healed areas rather than rebuilding the breast itself. Scars at a tissue-donor site, such as the abdomen, need separate assessment. [1]
Treatment may involve silicone products, injections, surface treatments, or surgery to remove and reclose a scar. The best approach depends on whether the scar is raised, widened, discolored, tethered, or pulling on nearby skin. [2]
Previous radiation, thin skin over an implant, and the blood supply of a reconstructed tissue flap can affect what is safe. Your surgeon should review the original reconstruction and coordinate timing with any ongoing cancer treatment. [1]
- Treatment focus
- Scar appearance, texture, tightness, or discomfort
- Treatment setting
- Office or surgical facility, depending on scope
- Anesthesia
- Local anesthesia, sometimes with sedation or general anesthesia
- Lasting consideration
- A scar remains, and raised scarring can recur
Is scar tightness the same as capsular contracture?
No. A skin scar can pull at the surface, while capsular contracture is tightening of the internal tissue around an implant. A firm, painful, or changing reconstructed breast needs an examination; revising the skin scar alone may not address the cause.
Does every noticeable scar need treatment?
No. Observation is a reasonable choice if the scar is comfortable and you are satisfied with it. A new lump, open area, or changing skin finding should be assessed rather than assumed to be a routine scar.
02 · Concerns & Goals
What you may want to address
A scar may look or feel different from the surrounding breast skin. Your goals, healing history, and reconstruction type help guide the discussion.
A wide or uneven scar
A scar may spread or create a small fold at an incision end. Revision may improve the line, though tension can cause it to widen again.
Raised or itchy tissue
Thick scars may feel firm, itchy, or tender. Hypertrophic scars stay within the incision boundary; keloids extend beyond it and can recur after treatment.
Pulling or tethering
Scar tissue may attach to deeper tissue or restrict skin movement. Your surgeon can assess whether release would help and whether enough healthy skin is available.
Color or texture differences
Redness, darker pigment, or uneven texture can draw attention to a scar. Treatment choices depend on skin tone, scar maturity, and the condition of reconstructed skin.
03 · Options
How the approaches differ
These approaches address different scar features and may be combined. A consultation helps determine which are appropriate for your reconstructed breast.
Silicone-based scar care
A nonsurgical approach for selected healed scars.
How it worksSilicone gel or sheets are used on fully closed skin according to a clinician's plan.
May suitSome raised or maturing scars when the skin is intact.
Main tradeoffRequires consistent use and does not release deep tethering or remove a wide scar.
Scar injections
Treatment aimed at flattening thick scar tissue.
How it worksA clinician injects a medication such as a corticosteroid into selected raised scars.
May suitCertain hypertrophic scars or keloids.
Main tradeoffSeveral sessions may be needed; skin thinning, pigment changes, and recurrence are possible.
Laser or surface treatment
Treatment directed at scar color or texture.
How it worksA selected device treats redness or remodels the scar surface.
May suitSome scars with persistent redness or texture differences after assessment of skin health and tone.
Main tradeoffMay require multiple sessions and can cause burns or pigment changes; irradiated or fragile skin needs particular caution.
Surgical scar revision
Removal, release, or rearrangement of scar tissue.
How it worksThe surgeon may remove a scar and reclose it or rearrange nearby tissue to reduce pulling.
May suitSelected wide, tethered, or restrictive scars with adequate healthy tissue.
Main tradeoffCreates a new scar and carries wound-healing risks, especially where tissue coverage or blood supply is limited.
Scar treatment cannot restore unscarred skin. Reconstructed breasts require planning that accounts for implants, tissue flaps, radiation, and prior healing problems. [1] [2].
Could fat grafting be part of the plan?
Sometimes fat grafting is considered for contour hollows or thin tissue near a scar. It is an additional reconstruction procedure, not simply scar removal, and brings separate risks such as fat necrosis and lumps.
Can revision be combined with other breast surgery?
Sometimes. Combining it with a planned reconstruction adjustment may be reasonable, but can change anesthesia, recovery, and coverage. Ask which parts address the scar and which address breast shape or implant concerns.
04 · Results
What may improve and what may remain
Appearance
A scar may become less noticeable, but it will remain.
- Width, height, color, and texture may respond differently.
- A revised scar can initially look redder or more prominent before settling.
Comfort and movement
Treating a restrictive scar may reduce pulling or irritation.
- Pain may also come from nerves, an implant capsule, or deeper tissue.
- Scar treatment does not reliably restore sensation lost after mastectomy.
Long-term healing
The final appearance develops gradually.
- Scar maturation can take a year or longer.
- Raised scars can recur, and additional treatment may be considered.
Results depend on the scar, treatment method, skin characteristics, and healing response; complete scar removal is not possible. [2]
05 · Recovery
Planning your recovery
Recovery at a glance
- Stay after surgery
- Determined by Your Surgeon
- Initial recovery at home
- Varies by Individual
- Return to desk work
- Varies by Procedure and Work Activity
- Light daily activities
- Based on Individual Recovery
- Strenuous exercise
- Based on Surgeon Clearance
Returning to work does not mean fully healed. Follow your surgeon’s instructions; strenuous activity requires clearance.
Recovery differs between an injection, laser treatment, and an incision-based revision. Your team should give you a plan tailored to the reconstructed tissue and any combined procedures.
Step 1 · Day of treatment
Treatment day
You may leave with a dressing and instructions for protecting the area. Arrange a ride and support if you receive sedation or general anesthesia.
Step 2 · First several days
Early healing
Tenderness, swelling, or bruising may occur. Follow the team's wound-care and medication instructions; numb reconstructed skin can make injury harder to notice.
Step 3 · Following weeks
Wound review
Your team checks healing and advises when to resume activities or begin scar products. Sutures may need removal, depending on the closure.
Step 4 · Following months to a year or longer
Scar maturation
The scar gradually settles. Follow-up helps assess persistent thickness, color changes, discomfort, or the need for further care.
Planning everyday activities
ActivityGeneral planning contextWhat affects the plan
Desk workPlanning context: May resume relatively soon after a limited treatment; surgery may require more time.What affects it: Pain, dressings, medication effects, and the extent of revision.
DrivingPlanning context: Resume only when cleared and able to control the vehicle safely.What affects it: Sedating medicines, arm movement, and ability to brake or turn suddenly.
Lifting and upper-body exercisePlanning context: May need restriction while the incision gains strength. [2]What affects it: Closure tension, scar location, and any combined reconstruction.
Swimming and soakingPlanning context: Wait until the wound is closed and your team approves.What affects it: Open areas, drainage, and the type of treatment.
Returning to work does not mean healing is complete. Follow your surgical team's instructions rather than a general timeline.
Before your procedure
- Bring details of your reconstruction, implants or tissue flap, radiation, and prior healing problems.
- Discuss any ongoing cancer treatment and surveillance appointments.
- Review all medicines, supplements, and allergies; do not stop prescribed medicines on your own.
- Discuss smoking, vaping, and nicotine use and the team's requirements before treatment.
- Arrange transportation and help at home if anesthesia or activity restrictions are expected.
- Ask for a written treatment plan, recovery guidance, and estimate covering the agreed scope.
Should I put compresses on the area?
Ask your surgical team whether compresses are appropriate and exactly how to use them. Reduced sensation and fragile reconstructed skin require extra care.
When can I start silicone or massage?
Only after your team confirms the wound is sufficiently healed. Silicone belongs on closed skin, and massage may not be appropriate for every reconstruction or revision.
06 · Safety
Risks and what your clinician assesses
Temporary tenderness, swelling, bruising, redness, and altered sensation can occur. The expected pattern depends on the treatment; worsening symptoms or an opening incision need assessment.
Bleeding or fluid collection
Blood or fluid may collect under the skin and sometimes requires drainage or another procedure.
Infection
Infection may need medication or surgery. Infection near an implant can also threaten the reconstruction.
Delayed healing or tissue loss
An incision may separate or skin may fail to heal. Radiation, nicotine exposure, and limited blood supply can increase concern.
Persistent or recurrent scarring
The new scar may widen, thicken, or remain noticeable. Keloids can return despite treatment.
Sensation, pain, or appearance changes
Numbness, persistent pain, pigment changes, uneven contours, or asymmetry may occur or worsen.
Anesthesia and deeper injury
Surgery carries anesthesia risks and uncommon serious complications such as blood clots. Treatment near reconstructed tissue can damage deeper structures or expose an implant.
Discuss these risks and your individual health history with your surgeon. [2]
What your clinician assesses
- Scar type, maturity, location, symptoms, and any unexplained skin changes
- Reconstruction method, implant coverage, tissue blood supply, and radiation history
- Health conditions, nicotine use, medicines, and past healing or keloid formation
- Your priorities, expected benefit, and timing alongside cancer care
07 · Costs
What makes up the Total Procedure & Care Cost
Compare written estimates for the same planned scope: the scar areas treated, treatment method, number of sessions, and any additional reconstruction work.
Surgeon
Surgical care
Surgeon's treatment and the planned scar revision.
Ask your surgeonAsk whether the estimate includes all scar areas and whether additional sessions or revision procedures cost extra.
Facility
Anesthesia and facility
Anesthesia services and office, outpatient facility, or hospital charges when applicable.
Ask your surgeonAsk which setting is planned and whether these charges are billed separately.
Supplies
Supplies and follow-up
Dressings, scar products, medicines, and follow-up visits as specified.
Ask your surgeonConfirm what is included, for how long, and how unplanned wound care is billed.
TRC
Patient Services
Any separately listed coordination or administrative services.
Ask TRCAsk whether a fee applies, what it covers, and whether the service is optional.
Your written estimate should explain the services included, any separate charges, and payment terms.
08 · Questions
Common questions
Will insurance cover this?
Coverage may be available when revision is part of reconstruction after mastectomy, but requirements vary. Ask the surgeon's office and insurer about medical necessity, prior authorization, network status, and your share of costs.
Can irradiated skin be revised?
Sometimes, but radiation can reduce tissue flexibility and affect healing. A reconstructive surgeon should assess whether a limited revision is appropriate or whether additional healthy tissue is needed.
Will revision affect cancer follow-up?
Tell your cancer-care team about the plan. New lumps or skin changes should be evaluated before elective scar treatment, and any added procedures should be documented for future examinations.
Can a painful scar always be fixed by cutting it out?
No. Pain can involve nerves, deeper scar tissue, an implant capsule, or other causes. An examination helps identify the cause and whether surgery, rehabilitation, or another treatment is more suitable.
0 consultation questions in your plan
View in My TRC workspaceMy Aesthetic Plan
Prepare for your consultation
Bring these to help your consultation:
- Agree on the scar areas, goals, and treatment method.
- Confirm timing with reconstruction and cancer-care teams.
- Get written recovery instructions, contact details, and an itemized estimate.
View My Aesthetic Plan
Choices stay in this visit until saving to your account completes. Nothing is sent to a clinician.
Sources
- [1]American Society of Plastic Surgeons: Breast ReconstructionImplant and tissue-based reconstruction, staged procedures, and considerations related to cancer treatment and radiation.
- [2]American Society of Plastic Surgeons: Scar RevisionScar types, topical and injectable treatments, surface treatments, surgical revision, limitations, gradual healing, activity precautions, surgical risks, and warning symptoms requiring medical attention.
Photographs are illustrative scenes, not patients, staff, facilities or outcomes. This information does not replace a personal assessment by your treating clinician.