Will I ever really be the same again? This is the major question you, and many others ask before or after undergoing a mastectomy.
Although it is a necessary weapon in the battle against breast cancer, undergoing a mastectomy is a huge, life changing decision!
You are left with scars that could have a significant impact on your identity and body image, more so for single mastectomies.
The thought alone is scary, we know.
But we believe understanding what to expect and how to manage your scars after a single mastectomy will give you more confidence in your recovery. So, let’s explore together what you should know when it comes to mastectomy scars and how to cope.
What Do the Scars Look Like After a Single Mastectomy?
Generally, the scar will appear red or pink, slightly raised, and soft to the touch, or firm for some people. This is normal since the wound is still fresh. You may also notice that the surrounding skin is puffy and slightly elevated.
Over time, as your scar heals, it’ll seemingly fade. This is due to the breakdown of collagen produced by the scar tissue. It is responsible for flattening and lightening the scar so it blends with the surrounding skin.
As for the scar pattern, it varies mainly based on the type of incision your surgeon uses. The most common scar pattern is straight, either vertically, horizontally, or diagonally.
It could also be U-shaped, following the natural curve of your breasts, or Y-shaped, with the extra line extending to your underarm.
While your preferred scar pattern can be considered, it is up to your surgeon to determine the best incision to use. This is mainly based on the severity of the cancer, the size, and type of boobs.
Ultimately, this will determine the type of mastectomy you undergo and the kind of scar you end up with, so let’s look at that…
How do Different Types of Mastectomy Affect Scar Patterns?
Total mastectomy
A simple or total mastectomy involves the complete removal of breast tissue, most of the overlaying breast skin, including the nipple, and the dark skin around it. This procedure is prevalent in advanced cases of breast cancer where the tumor is widespread.
It may even at times involve the removal of some lymph nodes as well, if your breast cancer seems to have spread so far. The result of such a procedure often involves a visible horizontal scar across the chest.
Partial mastectomy
This procedure only involves the removal of a portion of the breast tissue that’s affected by the tumor and some of the healthy tissue surrounding it. Your surgeon may recommend this if your tumor is localized.
The beauty of this breast surgery is that it doesn’t significantly impact the appearance of the breasts, although the affected breast may appear slightly smaller.
Skin-sparing mastectomy
If you’re planning on undergoing reconstructive surgery after your mastectomy, then this procedure is ideal. While it involves the removal of all tissue, including the nipple and areola, skin-sparing mastectomy preserves most of the breast skin.
Depending on the kind of incision your surgeon makes, the resulting scar is medium to large and cuts across the front of the breast. Although some surgeons may try to hide the scar by cutting underneath the natural curve of the breast.
Nipple-sparing mastectomy
Unlike skin-sparing mastectomy, this procedure also involves the preservation of most of the skin tissue, along with the nipple and dark skin around it.
To minimize scarring and for a more aesthetically pleasing result, most surgeons try to cut around the areola, or beneath the natural curve of the breast. The resulting scar is therefore hidden or small, which is perfect even if you don’t undergo breast reconstruction.
Modified radical mastectomy
This procedure is similar to a total mastectomy. It involves the removal of the entire breast, including most of the lymph nodes in the armpits.
Due to the excess tissue that needs to be removed, the resulting scar is usually very large and noticeable. Y-shaped scar patterns are preferred for such a procedure to prevent dog ears and ensure a smooth, flat surface under the arm.Why Do Mastectomy Scars Form?
Be it a single or double mastectomy, or even breast reconstruction, scars are a natural part of healing. Mastectomy scars are a sign of your body’s attempt to try to repair the scar tissue created from the surgery.
As soon as the incision is made, your body produces collagen and forms fibrous tissue to repair the damaged area, resulting in the formation of scar tissue.During this time, blood supply also increases around the surgical site, which is why you’ll notice the area is red and puffy. With time, the collagen produced will start to break down, and the blood supply to the surgical area will decrease. As a result, you’ll notice the scar getting flatter and paler.
However, if your body produces too much collagen during the healing process, it may result in either of two scar tissues: hypertrophic or keloid scars. Hypertrophic scars are more common and are characterized by a more raised scar tissue that may take several years to settle.
Keloid mastectomy scars, on the other hand, are characterized by overgrown scar tissue that spreads over normal skin tissue. It can be itchy, red, or painful, which could be a sign that your surgical wound is infected.
Factors that Influence Scarring After a Single Mastectomy.
The following are factors that could further affect how mastectomy scars form:
Surgical technique
As we discussed, the type of mastectomy you get will influence the scar pattern you end up with, as well as its size and location. More than that, your surgeon’s skills also significantly influence the prominence of your scar, based on their incision, suturing, and how carefully they handle the breast tissue.
Genetics
If you’re naturally prone to scarring, this could affect how your surgical wound heals. For example, although there is no conclusive evidence, melanin is believed to play some role in keloid scars since it is more common among darker-skinned people.
Age
The more you age, the less elastic your skin gets. So, if you’re much older, this could affect how your wound heals and possibly lead to more noticeable scar tissue formation.
Lifestyle and health
Conditions like diabetes or immunity disorders may lead to slower healing and affect how your scar forms. Lack of a balanced diet and poor habits like smoking can also impair your healing and scarring.
Your body needs the necessary nutrients, like protein and vitamin C, to heal and regenerate properly. Smoking also inhibits blood flow and oxygenation, which tampers with your healing process.
Radiation and chemotherapy
Undergoing chemotherapy suppresses your immunity, which affects how your wound heals and the ultimate scar you’re left with. Radiation, on the other hand, could affect the appearance and texture of your mastectomy scar.
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The Emotional and Psychological Impact of Single Mastectomy Scarring
The effect of mastectomy scars goes beyond the physical, whether it's a single or double mastectomy. It starts with the anxiety you feel before the surgery. The flooding questions, like what if something goes wrong?
Topped off by a scar that serves as a reminder of the challenging battle you had against cancer.
More than that, a single mastectomy comes with side effects like breast asymmetry. The change in your body affects how you see and feel about yourself. Learning to cope with this new image and identity isn’t easy, and many people fall into depression.
But that doesn’t have to be your story.
Fortunately, there are a lot of cancer support groups and professionals you can talk to help you process the experience you’ve gone through and your new reality. You can also share with close family and friends, so you don’t feel like you’re alone.
Sometimes, simply talking to someone who’s been through the same experience or someone who you’re close to can make a world of difference.
And if you’re not happy with how your breasts look, you can always change them. Thankfully, there are several surgical procedures you can undergo for breast reconstruction or to simply remove scar tissue.
Do your research to find a renowned and skilled plastic surgeon who can guide you through your options.
Don’t feel like going under the knife again? No problem! There are still several fashion-forward and creative ways to camouflage asymmetric breasts. You can always get mastectomy tattoos to cover up your mastectomy scars and transform a difficult reminder into beautiful art.
Or you could try our custom Signature bra, carefully designed and tailored to suit you, regardless of your level of breast asymmetry. Not only does our bra give your boobs perfect symmetry again, but it’ll help you re-embrace yourself and feel naturally confident in your body again. And that’s what Symmetrista is all about!
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Do mastectomy scars ever go away?
No, mastectomy scars never go away completely, but over time, they do become less noticeable. Of course, that depends on how well your scar heals after surgery.
Tips to Heal and Manage Mastectomy Scars.
To help you ensure your mastectomy scar heals well, here are a few pointers on what you can do:
Silicone gels and gel sheets
These silicone products help hydrate the scar tissue and promote proper healing. They also prevent overproduction of collagen; therefore effective in avoiding keloids and hypertrophic scars. But ensure you get a green light from your surgeon or doctor before you apply them to your scar.
Scar massage
After a mastectomy, the area around the surgical site may feel tight. Scar massages help break up adhesions and loosen tough tissues, so it’s easier to move. Frequent massages also soften the scar and make it less noticeable over time.
Proper wound care
The first step towards healing is to properly care for the wound. Ensure you follow your surgeon’s instructions on how to clean the wound and change the dressing to avoid any infections.
Keep the wound dry and be keen to pick up any complications such as continued swelling and redness, or itchiness for early treatment. Also, avoid scratching and tight clothing that can irritate the wound. Use painkillers and doctor-recommended topical medication to ease any discomfort.
Avoid sun exposure
Scars become darker due to constant exposure to UV rays. To avoid this, stay indoors or limit your time outside during the early phases of your healing.
Once you’ve properly healed, protect the scar from sun exposure through a broad-spectrum sunscreen, preferably with an SPF above 30.
It’s More Than a Scar!
Whether you have or are undergoing a single mastectomy because you’re at risk of developing breast cancer or to overcome it, remember that the scar that’s left behind is a victory badge.
It shouldn’t be the source of concern or low self-confidence, but a reminder that you faced cancer and won!
And if you need another boost in confidence, try out our Symmetrista Signature Bra!