Scars: what they look like at one month, six months and two years

Breast surgery scars go through a predictable process of healing and change that continues for a year or two. In the first couple of weeks, the wound is closed with stitches, glue or strips, and the area may be swollen, bruised and tender. By about one month, the wound is usually closed and the scar is typically pink or red, raised and firm, and may feel tight, itchy or numb. Between about three and six months, the scar is often at its most noticeable: it may look darker, especially on brown skin, feel thicker and firmer, and pull when you move. This is a normal stage where new collagen is being laid down. From about six months to two years, most scars gradually flatten, soften and fade to a paler or closer-to-skin colour, becoming less noticeable. On darker skin, scars may remain darker than surrounding skin for longer. Some people develop raised, thickened scars that stay within the wound line, called hypertrophic scars, or scars that spread beyond it, called keloids, which are more common in some skin types. Radiation can also change the look and feel of scars and surrounding skin. Gentle care, sun protection, massage and silicone products can help scars mature well.

Numbness is common

Nerves are cut during surgery, so numbness or odd sensations around the scar and under the arm often improve slowly over months.

Everyone heals differently

Age, skin type, smoking, diabetes, infection and radiation all affect how scars heal.

Report worrying changes

Tell your team about redness spreading, discharge, fever or a new lump in or near the scar.

Scars often feel strange as well as look different.

Numbness

Numbness around the scar, chest and inner upper arm is common after surgery, especially after lymph node removal. Feeling may partly return over months, but some numbness can be permanent.

Tingling and shooting pains

As nerves recover, you may feel pins and needles, burning or brief shooting pains. These usually ease with time.

Tightness

Scar tightness can limit shoulder movement. Arm exercises and massage help.

When to seek help

Persistent pain after healing should be discussed, as treatments are available.

Radiation after surgery affects the skin and tissue in the treated area, including the scar. Knowing what to expect helps you care for it and recognise normal changes.

During treatment

The skin over the breast or chest wall may become pink, red or darker, dry and itchy. The scar may feel more tender. Follow the radiation team's skin care advice and pause scar massage on treated skin.

In the weeks after

Skin reactions usually settle within a few weeks. Peeling or darkened skin gradually recovers, though some colour change can last.

Over months and years

Radiation can make the breast or chest wall skin firmer, thicker or tighter, and the scar may feel less mobile. Small visible blood vessels sometimes appear on treated skin years later.

Caring for treated skin long term

Moisturise regularly, protect the area from sun, and resume gentle massage once the skin has fully healed and your team agrees. Arm and shoulder exercises help prevent stiffness.

Clothing on treated skin

Soft, loose cotton clothing and bras without tight bands reduce rubbing on the scar and treated skin while they recover.

When to seek advice

Report any new lump, open sore, spreading redness or skin that breaks down, as these need to be checked.