Your Guide to Breast Lift Scars 

Breast lift surgery can dramatically improve breast shape and firmness, but for many women, the worry of visible scarring can hold them back from getting the breasts they deserve. If this sounds like you, here’s the great news: with the right technique and aftercare, your breast lift scars can be barely noticeable. 

In this guide, you’ll learn what different breast lift scars look like, how they change during healing, and what you can do to help them fade beautifully.

What Do Breast Lift Scars Look Like?

Your incision pattern plays a big role in the shape and location of your scars. As a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in breast enhancement, I choose the approach that delivers the best breast shape and lift while keeping scars as discreet as possible. 

From least extensive to most, your breast lift options are: 

• Crescent Lift – A small, crescent-shaped incision along the upper areola, often used to correct nipple asymmetry. 

• Benelli (Donut) Lift – A circular incision around the areola, ideal for mild to moderate sagging and minor reshaping. 

• Lollipop Lift – Incisions circle the areola and run vertically down to the crease, offering moderate lift and reshaping for many breast types. 

• Anchor Lift – Incisions circle the areola, run vertically down the breast, and follow the natural crease. Best for significant sagging and dramatic reshaping. 

Your Breast Lift Scar Timeline: From Day 1 to Year 1

While the healing process is unique for everyone, most patients follow a general pattern of scar maturation. Here’s what you can expect: 

Timeframe	Typical Appearance	Scar Care Focus
First few days	Fresh scars appear reddish, pink, or purplish and may look raised or puffy.	Keep incisions clean and dry; follow your surgeon’s dressing instructions.
2–6 weeks	Swelling subsides, and color begins to fade.	Wear a supportive bra, avoid heavy lifting, and protect scars from the sun.
3–6 months	Scars flatten and lighten.	Begin or continue silicone sheets/gels; maintain healthy nutrition for collagen production.
1 year+	Scars become thin, pale lines, easily hidden by clothing or swimwear.	Continue sun protection to prevent darkening.

Best Practices for Minimizing Mastopexy Scars

Taking good care of your incisions is key to achieving the best scar outcome. Your post-op instructions will include: 

Do: 

• Wear your surgical or supportive bra as directed. 

• Apply silicone gels or sheets once cleared by your surgeon. 

• Use SPF 30+ daily on healed scars, even under clothing. 

• Stay hydrated and eat nutrient-rich foods that support healing. 

Don’t: 

• Expose scars to direct sunlight or tanning beds. 

• Apply unapproved ointments, oils, or herbal remedies. 

Smoke or use nicotine products, which impair healing.

Focusing on the Big Picture: Is a Breast Lift Worth It? 

While scarring is a normal part of any breast lift, most women find the benefits—improved shape, firmer breasts, better fit in clothing, and renewed self-confidence—far outweigh the trade-off. Breast lift also has one of the highest patient satisfaction ratings, with 95% of patients saying it was “worth it.” 

Pairing a breast lift with complementary procedures, such as breast augmentation for added volume or a breast reduction for a more proportionate size, can give you an even more comprehensive enhancement. These combinations are especially popular for creating a more balanced appearance. 

Take the Next Step Toward Your Transformation 

Ready to see how minimal your breast lift scars can be—and how beautiful your results could look? Request a consultation online or call our office at (912) 351-5050 to get started.