Breast scars
Breast scars may follow surgery, biopsy, injury, burns or inflammation. Their appearance depends on location, incision pattern and healing. They may be flat, raised, widened, tethered or differently coloured, and can affect breast contour as well as the skin surface.
What you may notice
- A line around the areola or breast fold
- Vertical or anchor-shaped surgical scars
- Raised, itchy or firm areas
- A widened or depressed scar
- Tethering that changes breast contour
Why it can happen
Scar formation is a normal response to deeper skin injury. Tension, infection, delayed healing, radiation, genetics and skin type affect the result. Keloids extend beyond the original wound, while hypertrophic scars remain within it. Internal scar tissue around an implant is a separate issue.
What may help
Scar maturation takes many months. Sun protection, silicone and selected medical treatments may help some raised or discoloured scars. Laser, injections, microneedling or surgical revision can address specific problems, but revision creates another scar and recurrence is possible. Breast shape or implant capsule problems need separate assessment.
When to consult
Consult a clinician for a scar that is growing, painful, hot, draining, ulcerated or associated with a new breast lump or implant change. A plastic surgeon or dermatologist can classify a stable scar before treatment.
Evidence and sources
- National Health Service. Scars [Internet]. London: National Health Service; 2023 [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/scars/ (new tab)
- DermNet. Keloid and hypertrophic scar [Internet]. Auckland: DermNet; 2022 [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/keloid-and-hypertrophic-scar (new tab)
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Skin rejuvenation and resurfacing [Internet]. Arlington Heights (IL): American Society of Plastic Surgeons; [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/skin-rejuvenation-and-resurfacing (new tab)