Heart Surgery from a Cosmetic Point of View: Will There Be a Scar?

When the decision for heart surgery is made, medical necessity is always our priority; however, we also respond with understanding to the questions of our patients, especially the young and active ones, about their appearance after surgery. In this article I will compare the scars left by different incision techniques.

The Appearance of the Standard Sternotomy Incision

In classical open heart surgery a vertical scar of about 20-25 centimetres remains, running down the middle of the chest from below the base of the neck to the end of the breastbone; although this scar, known colloquially as the “breastbone scar”, fades over time, it is permanent and can be visible especially with open-necked clothing.

Aesthetic Results with Inframammary or Axillary Incisions

With small-incision techniques the scar is a much smaller cut of about 4-6 centimetres, which in female patients can be hidden in the fold beneath the breast or placed in the armpit area. Studies show that patients operated on through a small incision rate their satisfaction with the scar markedly more favourably than those who had classical surgery.

Cream and Care Recommendations for the Scar

Once the wound has closed completely, protecting it from direct sunlight (to prevent the scar from remaining permanently darker), using moisturising or silicone-based scar creams, and moving in a way that does not stretch the incision all help the scar become less noticeable over time. Precise recommendations are personalised at the follow-up examination according to the condition of the wound.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a small-incision scar disappear completely? It does not disappear completely, but it fades markedly over time and becomes easy to hide with clothing.

When should I start scar care? After the wound has closed completely and you are sure there is no discharge, we usually recommend starting 3-4 weeks after the operation.

Can aesthetic concerns be decisive in choosing the surgical method? The priority is always medical suitability; however, if you are anatomically suitable, we also include your aesthetic preference in the decision-making process.

Conclusion

Small-incision techniques leave a much smaller and more concealable scar while preserving medical safety. Although the choice of method is based primarily on medical suitability, the aesthetic result is also a valuable part of this decision.

You can book an appointment for a detailed examination to discuss your surgical options and the likely appearance of the scar.

References

1. Cao C, Gupta S, Chandrakumar D, et al. A Meta-Analysis of Minimally Invasive Versus Conventional Mitral Valve Repair for Patients with Degenerative Mitral Disease. Ann Cardiothorac Surg. 2013;2(6):693-703.