everyday living Taking Care To Avoid Scarring July 12, 2012 Written By: Emily Schmitt Published On July 12, 2012 If you're thinking about getting breast implants, you're probably also thinking about the routine you'll need to follow to care for your breasts after surgery. One of the things you'll need to do is treat the scars that develop near your incisions. Scars do fade over time, but treating them early can help reduce their appearance. Please Read This: Mothers Day Breast Augmentation Things To Consider Pre-Surgery Before the surgery, it's wise to consider the location of the incisions. There are three different places a surgeon can make an incision for a breast implant: the armpit, around the areola or under the breast, near the fold. The size and appearance of the scars can depend on the incision area. Many people choose to have their incisions done around the areola, because the darker appearance of this skin helps camouflage the scar. Most likely, your scars will be small—just one inch to an inch-and-a-half each—but you'll want to begin caring for them right away. The longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to minimize their appearance. Use the following guide to help you find ways to reduce the look of your scars: Use Silicone Bandages Or Creams Applying a bandage or wrap made of silicone every day can keep the scar from getting too thick. These can be purchased over-the-counter at most pharmacies. Your doctor may also suggest a silicone- or cortisone-based cream for the same purpose. You Might Like This: What To Do If Your Implants Rupture Stay Out Of The Sun You can reduce the appearance of your scars by staying out of the sun, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, who says UV rays can darken scars. Apply Pressure And Massage Applying pressure bandages to the scars and massaging the scars regularly for months may help flatten them, and can be purchased easily at most pharmacies. Beyond these simple, at-home methods, you can use laser procedures to completely (or nearly) get rid of scars. According to the FDA, medical lasers are common in cosmetic procedures for scar removal. The steps you can take to minimize the appearance of scars are simple, but carry a big impact. Be sure to discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider to create the plan that works best for you. Recommended Articles everyday living Amy Robach Diagnosed With Breast Cancer After On-Air Mammogram everyday living Your Breasts Age Faster Than You Do everyday living Enlargement For Enlistment? The Army's Policies On Cosmetic Surgery everyday living Is Your Bra Ruining Your Implants? everyday living Implant Shells For Reconstruction Could Contain Cancer-Fighting Medicine Most Searched Questions What size is right for me? How much does breast augmentation cost? What should I ask my plastic surgeon? How do I find a plastic surgeon? Tags: everyday living post-surgery scars complications preventative care Comments Learn More: Tattoos Do's And Don'ts Nipple Piercings Before And After Breast Augmentation Surgery The Sounds Your Implants Will Make Exercises And Massage After Breast Augmentation Teardrop Implants The Implant Valve And How It Works