Introduction
No one likes scars, and in an ideal world, we would like to undergo surgery without the risk of scarring. While this might not be possible, a better understanding of scar formation would certainly help reduce its occurrence.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), a scar is the tissue formed by our skin after an injury or trauma is healed. It is an absolutely normal part of our body’s healing process.
Why do scars even form in the first place, you ask?
Well, after a surgical incision is made on our skin, a protein called collagen repairs it. Basically, collagen is the building block of our skin.
When there is an overproduction of collagen, the newly formed skin becomes fibrous, leaving us with scars.
In male to female or MTF top surgeries for gender dysphoria and transgender body dysmorphia, scarring occurs along the incision line. The chances of scarring increase with more skin damage.
A few other factors that also make one more susceptible to scarring are:
Breast implants are inserted from three main locations:
- Periareolar: along the border of the areola
- Inframammary: below the fold of the chest muscle
- Intraaxillary: through the armpit
The location is determined by your specialist based on the implant type, implant size, and your body type. For example, a saline implant is smaller than a silicone one, so it can be inserted through a smaller incision.
Now that we’ve understood what leads to scar formation, we’re sure you’re burning with another important question—What will my scars look like?
Your scars will be most prominent during the first six weeks after surgery. They will appear raised and hyperpigmented against the rest of your skin.
A few months down the line, you will see them flattening and beginning to fade. You will have to wait for about eighteen months to know what your final scars will look like.
In most cases, by this time, they fade to the point of becoming almost unnoticeable.
MTF Top Surgery Scars—Are They Normal?
Are you worried about your scars?
Relax!
MTF top surgery scars are absolutely normal. No matter how skilled your plastic surgeon is, it is impossible to conduct an MTF top surgery without scarring.
They occur in 100% of patients who undergo these MTF top surgeries.
In fact, visible scars are so prevalent that 12.5% to 42% of patients ask for revision surgery to reduce scar visibility.
Are MTF Top Surgery Scars Permanent?
Unfortunately, yes, they are.
You can expect MTF top surgery scars to fade away with time, but they never disappear completely.
Since scars are most visible during the first year after surgery, some specialists recommend makeup to cover them up if they make you feel self-conscious.
Are you thinking, “How long will my MTF top surgery scars take to heal after transgender surgery?”
According to Dr. Nicholas, a renowned Plastic Surgeon of Nip & Tuck Plastic Surgery, “MTF scars usually take about 8 weeks to stabilize, but the actual healing process can last up to a year. I typically recommend that patients abstain from strenuous activity for 6-8 weeks. At this point, the wound strength is stable enough for resuming normal activities.”
How to Treat MTF Top Surgery Scars?
Alright, we know what you’re thinking.
If surgery scars can’t be avoided, how do I treat them?
Quite a few solutions are available for this problem.
Your first step will be to get some over-the-counter ointments. In fact, many surgeons will advise you to start one a few weeks after surgery to keep the scarring to a minimum and promote better healing.
Some useful over-the-counter solutions are:
| Silicone-based Bandages or Sheets |
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| Cortisone ointments |
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| Pressure bandages |
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| Vitamin E Supplements |
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It is important to remember that you should consult your specialist before using any of the above treatments.
Take the first step to recovery. Get in touch with us for your treatment.
But what does one do if these treatments are not enough to minimize scarring?
Despair not, as you have a few more fixes available.
| Microdermabrasion |
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| Steroid Injections |
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| Laser Scar Removal |
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| Medical Needling |
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| Surgical Revision |
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As we have seen in the above information, it is not possible to completely remove any scars. All these treatments facilitate making the scars very light.
Are you now wondering," Can mtf top surgery scars go away on their own without any treatment?"
According to Dr. Javad Sajan of Allure Esthetic, who is one of the top surgeons for gender affirming surgery in the world," Yes, though it will take several years. This is also not true for everyone. For people over a certain age, who smoke, or who are known to scar badly, scarring is unlikely to go away without treatment."
So, what are you thinking?
How to Prevent and Avoid MTF Top Surgery Scars?
Haven’t we always been told that prevention is better than cure?
So why not apply it to our present situation as well?
There are several tips you can follow to minimize your scarring after MTF top surgery.
- Follow your doctor’s post-surgery instructions to the letter
- Avoid all forms of tobacco two weeks before the surgery and at least 21 days after the surgery. Tobacco reduces the capillary blood flow to our skin, hampering the healing process.
- Use a sunscreen with a high SPF after your surgery to improve healing.
- Incorporate a diet that is high in proteins, Vitamin C, and zinc for better healing.
- Keep your dressings as dry and clean as possible after your surgery.
- Don’t remove your dressing unless you have been instructed to.
- Avoid showering until your stitches have been removed. You can stick to sponge baths to keep the risk of infection low.
- Don’t engage in physical activities for at least four weeks after the surgery.
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Having some more questions related to MTF top surgery scars?
Then do read the next session!
Maybe you may get an answer to your query!
Frequently Asked Questions
- What MTF top surgery produces the least amount of scarring?
Breast augmentation done through a periareolar incision produces the least amount of scarring. The chances of scarring go down even further if a keyhole incision is performed for the procedure.
- Can MTF top surgeries be performed without leaving any scars?
Unfortunately, no. All surgeries will leave a scar behind. The best that can be done is to minimize the scarring.
- How long should one keep their scars covered?
This depends on the type of surgery you have undergone, obviously. In most breast augmentation MTF surgeries, doctors advise you to keep your scars covered with scar tape for four to six weeks after your stitches are removed.
- How often should I change my scar tape?
If you’re showering regularly and are physically active, you should change your scar tape every five days.
