Breast Augmentation Scars: Incision Options and Healing (2026)

Breast augmentation creates an incision scar, and its location depends on the route used to place the implant, as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) explains. Scars may take months or years to fade, as ASPS says incision lines may take several months, even a couple of years, to fade.

For breast augmentation in Thailand, ask the surgeon to explain the proposed incision and follow-up before booking. The options below are for that discussion, not an individual incision recommendation.

Clinics cannot pay to be listed or ranked higher on AsiaPatient.

Where breast implant scars can sit

ASPS's procedure guide lists routes through the breast fold, areolar edge and armpit. Ask how your anatomy, proposed implant and surgical plan affect that choice.

Inframammary incision

An inframammary incision sits in the fold underneath the breast. An ASPS article on incision choice describes it as the most direct route into the breast tissue and says the resulting scars will be hidden from view.

Ask the surgeon to explain where that fold will sit with the proposed implant in place. Ask how the scar would be covered by your usual clothing.

Periareolar incision

The periareolar route follows the lower half of the areola, the darker area around the nipple. ASPS's scarring article says this location can camouflage the scar.

The Motiva patient labeling hosted by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says this incision may reduce the possibility of future breastfeeding. It also associates the route with a higher risk of changes in nipple sensation.

Those cautions belong in the consultation, particularly if future breastfeeding matters to you. Ask the surgeon to explain how they apply to the operation being proposed.

Transaxillary incision

A transaxillary incision places the scar in the armpit. An ASPS incision article says it keeps scars away from the breast area. Scars sometimes remain visible.

The same article says the more distant access may complicate the procedure and the revision rate may be higher. A separate ASPS scarring article says implant placement can be slightly less accurate with this route.

The published descriptions differ on implant compatibility. ASPS's five-factors article describes transaxillary access as saline-only, while the Motiva silicone-gel implant labeling includes this route and says it may limit implant size.

Ask which route is suitable for the exact implant model your surgeon proposes. Keep that answer in the written surgical plan.

Transumbilical incision

Transumbilical breast augmentation, also called TUBA, uses an incision at the navel. ASPS's five-factors article describes a tunnel toward the breast area and says this route is far less common and limited to saline implants.

ASPS's procedure guide associates a belly-button approach with a higher complication rate. A scar away from the breast still needs to be discussed with the surgeon.

The Motiva document is labeling for one silicone-gel implant line. Bring the labeling for your proposed implant to the incision discussion with the surgeon.

Inframammary vs periareolar incision

The location difference is the fold underneath the breast versus the edge of the areola. The 2021 joint British breast-augmentation guide, published by breast and plastic-surgery professional associations including BAAPS, says implants are usually inserted through the crease, but can also go through an incision around the nipple or in the armpit.

ASPS describes direct access through the fold and concealment at the areola's color and texture change. Its periareolar description also states a higher rate of lost nipple sensation and says the route may increase bacterial infection risk around the implant.

Ask where the scar would sit after the implant is placed, and why the surgeon proposes that route. Include the Motiva labeling's breastfeeding caution if that is the device being discussed.

How breast augmentation scars change over time

ASPS says healing speed varies with age, genetics, skin tone and sun exposure.

Sources give different time frames:

• Early recovery: ASPS says you receive postoperative instructions and a follow-up appointment before leaving. Use that appointment to ask about the incision's appearance and wound care.
• After 6 weeks: the UK National Health Service (NHS) says scars should start to fade.
• Several months to over a year: An ASPS scar-care article gives this time frame for the entire healing process.
• Longer maturation: a separate ASPS article says scars can take up to 18 months to fully heal and mature. Its procedure results page says incision lines may take several months, even a couple of years, to fade.

Ask the surgeon what changes they expect at each review and which changes should prompt earlier contact.

Raised scars, hypertrophic scars and keloids

Ask your surgeon what they mean by hypertrophic scars and keloids, and how they would assess a raised scar after your operation. Bring any previous raised scars to that discussion.

For augmentation, ASPS lists genetics and skin tone among factors that can affect healing speed. Ask how your previous scars and medical history affect the proposed care plan.

If you've had a raised scar before, ask whether you need an earlier review or different scar care. Ask the surgeon to explain your personal risk rather than relying on a general percentage.

Scar care after the incision has healed

ASPS's scarring guidance says incisions must fully heal before the scar treatments it lists, and advises consulting the surgeon first. Ask for a start date and instructions for each treatment.

The same ASPS article advises avoiding smoking for several weeks before and after surgery. Ask your surgeon how that advice fits your preparation and recovery plan.

For sun protection, the ASPS scar-care article advises clothing coverage or broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. It also advises gentle scar massage as instructed, with creams or silicone sheets used according to the postoperative plan.

The ASPS article lists silicone sheets as an option, while a 2013 Cochrane systematic review of silicone gel sheeting reported less hypertrophic scarring in people prone to scarring, in prevention and treatment studies it found highly susceptible to bias.

That review included 20 trials involving 873 people aged 1.5 to 81 years. It concerns hypertrophic and keloid scar care, so ask the surgeon how its findings apply to your augmentation incision.

For activity and broader postoperative planning, use the breast augmentation recovery in Thailand guide. Keep the surgeon's wound-care instructions with the appointment schedule.

When to ask about scar revision

If you're concerned about a healed scar, ask the operating surgeon to assess it and discuss options. ASPS's scar-care article says medical treatments such as silicone sheets, steroid injections or laser therapy may help.

Ask whether continued observation, a nonsurgical treatment or surgical revision is appropriate. Ask what improvement is realistic, what risks apply, and when an assessment would be useful.

ASPS's maturation guidance allows up to 18 months for scars to fully heal and mature. Discuss revision timing with the surgeon instead of choosing a date from that figure.

What Thai hospitals publish about follow-up before flying home

Ask the hospital for your stitch-check and departure plan before booking travel. The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) says to speak to your surgeon before finalizing travel plans.

Yanhee International Hospital prints a recommended stay of 7 to 10 days for follow-up before flying. Its FAQ describes a "stitch check" within that total stay.

Yanhee's package wording lists a "1-night hospital stay"; its FAQ says patients are typically admitted for 1 to 2 nights. Ask Yanhee which admission plan applies to your booking.

Bangkok Hospital Pattaya says: "Sutures are removed approximately 1 week after surgery" and asks patients to attend all follow-up appointments. Sutures are stitches; ask for the appointment date and a separate assessment of your travel plans.

Phuket Plastic Surgery Institute (PPSI) says: "it is suggested you remain in Thailand for approximately 2 weeks for your surgeon to monitor your improvement after surgery." Ask which reviews are planned during that stay.

Wansiri Hospital prints: "Follow-up Period 1 Week (Stitch removal) / 1 month / 3 months / 6 months". Ask how the later appointments would work if you've returned home.

For the budget questions, the breast augmentation cost in Thailand guide can accompany your request for an itemized quote. Confirm whether postoperative checks, accommodation and any required follow-up are included.

Questions to ask the surgeon before booking travel

The NHS advises having a consultation with the surgeon, rather than meeting only sales staff. Take these questions to that appointment:

• Which incision route are you proposing, where will the scar sit, and why does it fit the implant and surgical plan?
• What scar-care steps do you want me to follow, and when can I begin each one?
• When will you check the incision, and will the stitches dissolve or need removal?
• How long should I remain locally before you assess whether I can fly?
• What written plan applies if I have a concern after returning home, and who should I contact?
• Which appointments do you expect during the first week and in the following months?

Ask for the answers in writing, including the contact route after you leave Thailand.

Frequently asked questions

How long do breast augmentation scars take to fade?

ASPS says incision lines may take several months, even a couple of years, to fade. Ask your surgeon what lasting scar to expect with the proposed incision.

Which breast augmentation incision leaves the least visible scar?

Discuss the location with your surgeon. ASPS describes concealment beneath the breast or along the areolar edge, while an armpit route places the scar away from the breast.

Does an inframammary or periareolar incision leave a better scar?

ASPS describes different access and sensation trade-offs for these routes. Ask your surgeon to compare the proposed scar position and risks for your operation before choosing between them.

Can silicone sheets help breast augmentation scars?

ASPS lists them as an option. The 2013 Cochrane review reported less hypertrophic scarring in people prone to scarring, but found the studies highly susceptible to bias; discuss their use and timing with your surgeon.

Who is more likely to have a raised or keloid scar?

Ask the surgeon to assess your scar history. ASPS says genetics, age, skin tone and sun exposure can affect healing speed; ask separately about your risk of raised scarring.

How long should I stay in Thailand after breast augmentation?

Yanhee prints 7 to 10 days for follow-up before flying; PPSI suggests approximately 2 weeks for surgeon monitoring. BAAPS says to speak to your surgeon before finalizing travel plans.