Understanding Lumpectomy Scars
A lumpectomy is a common surgery used to treat breast cancer. During a lumpectomy, the surgeon removes the tumor along with some of the surrounding normal breast tissue. This helps ensure all cancerous cells are removed from the breast. One of the potential side effects of a lumpectomy is a scar where the incision was made.
What Does a Lumpectomy Scar Look Like?
Lumpectomy scars can vary in size and location depending on factors like:
- The location of the tumor
- The amount of tissue removed
- Your natural healing abilities
In most cases, a small lumpectomy scar looks like a thin line a few inches long. It is often lighter or darker than your natural skin tone. The scar fades over time but remains slightly visible.
Where is the Lumpectomy Scar Located?
The lumpectomy incision and resulting scar are located wherever the surgeon can best access the tumor for removal. Common locations include:
- Around the areola (the darker skin surrounding the nipple)
- In the lower portion of the breast near the crease under the breast
- Along the edge of the areola if the tumor is near the nipple
The surgeon carefully plans the incision location to minimize visible scarring while still allowing complete removal of cancerous tissue.
Healing and Fading of the Lumpectomy Scar
Proper care of the incision site during healing can help minimize long term visibility of your lumpectomy scar. Here is what to expect as the scar heals:
Early Healing Stage
In the first few weeks after your lumpectomy, the incision will be tender and likely covered with a bandage. Your doctors will give you detailed instructions on caring for the wound to promote proper healing.
It is common for there to be some redness, swelling, bruising, or drainage during the early healing phase. Follow your doctor's wound care instructions carefully to prevent infection and optimize healing.
Maturing Stage
Over the next few months, your lumpectomy scar will start to mature. Redness, pain, and drainage will resolve. The scar may look puckered or thickened during this stage.
Gentle massage of the scar may help reduce puckering. Your doctor may recommend topical silicone sheeting or gels to promote flattening of thickened scars during the maturing phase.
Faded Stage
It can take a full year or more for lumpectomy scars to complete the healing process. Over time, the scar will gradually fade and flatten out. The dark pink color will lighten and blend with your natural skin tone.
While the scar may remain slightly visible long term, the differences between the scar tissue and surrounding breast skin will be less noticeable.
What Affects Appearance of the Scar?
Many factors influence the final appearance of your lumpectomy scar, including:
Incision Type
The surgeon may use different techniques to access the breast tissue that require different types and lengths of skin incisions. This impacts ultimate scar visibility.
Skill of Your Surgeon
A highly skilled, experienced breast surgeon can strategically place incisions for the best cosmetic outcome.
Complications During Healing
Infection, wound separation, or other complications can lead to more visible scarring. Follow all postoperative instructions carefully to prevent issues.
Genetics and Skin Type
Some people are just more prone to prominent scarring due to their genetics. Darker skin types may also scar more noticeably.
Minimizing Your Lumpectomy Scar
While you can't eliminate scarring completely after a lumpectomy, you can utilize various techniques to help reduce the visibility of your scar:
Silicone Scar Treatments
Silicone-based gels, sheets, bandages and creams hydrate scars to help flatten and smooth them.
Steroid Injections
Corticosteroid injections into newer, thicker scars can help soften scar tissue and even out texture differences with surrounding skin.
Laser Skin Resurfacing
Laser treatments remove outer layers of skin to improve scar appearance. Multiple treatments may be needed for best effect.
Microneedling
Microneedling with radiofrequency uses tiny needles to induce wound healing and new collagen production in scars.
Surgical Scar Revision
In severe cases, surgical excision or revision of the scar may be performed for significant improvement in scar appearance.
Coping With Your Lumpectomy Scar
It's understandable to feel self-conscious about scarring and changes to your breast after surgery. Be patient with the healing process. Know that the scar will continue to fade and most women feel their breast looks nearly normal again with time.
Talk to your doctor if you have specific concerns about excessive scarring. There are many options to help continue improving your scar's appearance even years later. Focus on being cancer-free - the scar is a reminder of the lifesaving treatment you received.
FAQs
How long does it take for a lumpectomy scar to fade?
It can take 12 months or longer for a lumpectomy scar to fully mature and fade. The incision will be dark pink and noticeable at first. Over time, lumpectomy scars generally fade significantly, becoming thinner and closer in color to the surrounding skin.
Can a plastic surgeon revise my lumpectomy scar?
Yes, if you are unhappy with the appearance of your lumpectomy scar, a plastic surgeon can often surgically revise it to be less noticeable. Techniques like excising the scar or using a z-plasty closure can help improve scar visibility.
Do I need to treat my lumpectomy scar as it heals?
Treating your incision carefully right after surgery as well as using scar treatment products during the maturation phase can optimize eventual scar appearance. Options like silicone sheeting/gel, steroid injections, and laser resurfacing may improve scar visibility.
Will my lumpectomy scar look the same forever?
No. In the first year after a lumpectomy, it is common for scars to fade significantly in color and size. They continue maturing for years, becoming softer, flatter and closer in tone to regular breast skin over time. Scars rarely stay thick, red and raised permanently.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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