Post Surgical Skin Management
Breast surgery often results in permanent scarring along the incision lines. While the surgical outcome may be successful, the resulting scars can be thick, raised, or discolored. The Scar Revision treatment at Cleavage Clinic provides a non surgical method to modify the texture and appearance of these marks.
We focus on blending surgical scars into the surrounding tissue. This treatment is appropriate for those who have completed their initial healing process and want to address the physical remnants of their procedure.
Dual Action Remodeling
A surgical scar consists of dense, fibrotic collagen that the body produced to close an incision. To effectively change a scar, we must both break down the old tissue and provide the body with the tools it needs to grow healthy new skin. We achieve this by combining Morpheus8 radiofrequency microneedling with Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) injections, or our Skin Booster treatment. During the consultation, your provider will map out a treatment plan that best fits your needs.
Breaking Down Dense Collagen with RF Microneedling
The first stage of the treatment uses gold plated needles that penetrate the scar tissue at a specific depth. By creating microscopic channels through the fibrotic tissue, we can disrupt the rigid collagen bundles that make a scar feel hard or look prominent.
As the needles reach the target depth, they release a pulse of radiofrequency heat. This thermal energy causes the old collagen to contract and eventually break down. This process signals the body to initiate a more organized healing response.
Instead of producing the thick, defensive tissue that formed after your surgery, your body begins to lay down a smooth, organized framework of new collagen. This results in a scar that is flatter, softer, and more consistent with the surrounding breast tissue.
Accelerating Healing with PRF Injections
While the microneedling creates the pathways for change, PRF provides the building blocks for repair. PRF is a concentrated form of your own blood that contains a high density of platelets, white blood cells, and fibrin.
Unlike standard treatments, PRF releases growth factors slowly over several days. When we combine PRF with the microneedling process it acts as a concentrated healing serum. These growth factors stimulate the production of new Type 1 collagen and elastin. This helps to soften the texture of the scar, fill in indentations, and reduce the persistent redness or dark pigment often seen in surgical marks.
The Ideal Patient
Our corrective scar treatment is designed for individuals who want to improve the physical remnants of a prior procedure. It is the preferred choice for those experiencing:
- Visible scarring from a previous breast augmentation or reduction surgery.
- Thick, raised, or discolored surgical lines on the breast tissue.
- Uneven skin texture or indentations along old incision sites.
- A desire to blend surgical marks into the surrounding skin for a more uniform appearance.
Scar Revision FAQs
How soon after surgery can I begin treatments?
It is necessary to wait at least six months after your surgery before starting scar revision. This allows the incision to fully close and the tissue to stabilize. We will evaluate your skin during a consultation to ensure the area is ready for remodeling and injections.
Why is PRF better than traditional scar treatments?
Many treatments only address the surface of the skin. By combining radiofrequency energy with PRF, we are treating the scar from the inside out. Using your own growth factors ensures that the new skin tissue is healthy, flexible, and consistent with the rest of your breast tissue.
What types of surgical scars can be treated?
This protocol is effective for the most common breast surgery marks: including anchor scars from lifts, vertical lines from reductions, and inframammary incisions from augmentations. It works on both raised scars and those that have become slightly indented.
How many sessions are required for a visible change?
Remodeling scar tissue is a gradual process that occurs over several months. We typically recommend a series of three sessions. These appointments are spaced four to six weeks apart to allow the PRF and the microneedling to work together to generate new tissue.
How is the PRF collected for my treatment?
The process for collecting Platelet Rich Fibrin is simple and takes place right in our office at the start of your appointment. We perform a standard blood draw, similar to what you would experience during a routine physical at a doctor's office. Once the sample is collected, we place it into a specialized centrifuge.
This machine spins the blood at a specific speed to separate the red blood cells from the plasma and the fibrin. The resulting concentrate is a gold colored substance that contains a very high density of your own platelets and white blood cells. This natural serum is what we then use to trigger the remodeling process. Because the material comes entirely from your own body, there is no risk of an allergic reaction or a foreign body rejection.
Is there a long recovery time?
One of the primary benefits of this approach is the minimal downtime. Most patients experience redness and mild swelling for a few days. Because we are using your own PRF, the healing process is often very efficient. You can return to your normal routine immediately, though you should avoid intense heat for 48 hours and sun exposure for 2 weeks