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Do Red Heads Scar Differently Than Others?
I'm having a BL and TT late December and I've been told that since I'm a red head I have the potential for my scars to be redder longer than normal. Is this because typically red heads have pale or is it something else? I've never had the idea even suggested to me that I may heal differently. I've been told red heads are bleeders but never that wound healing is different than normal.
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15 Doctor Answers |
Asked by
SValentine
in Tyler, TX
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Red head
Patients with your complexion tend to scar the best of all skin types. You should have a pale scar with the passage of time
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Redheads Having Red Scars and More Bleeding
Redheads may have reddened scars initially, but people with lighter complexions tend to scar better than people with darker complexions.
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Scarring in Red Heads
Actually most plastic surgeons would agree that red heads, blondes, fair eyed (green, blue, hazel) tend to have superior scars that eventually are pale, fine and flat. Though not true for all, your complexion and hair color are in your favor.
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Do Red Heads Scar Differently Than Others?
It is widely held that redheads bleed more and get worse scars. I know of none of my colleagues that believe that based upon experience. Best wishes on your upcoming surgery.
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Red heads, fair skin and wound healing...scars better or worse? Ask Dr Ellen
Hello SValentine,
As a fair skinned woman, with freckles and light hair...I can tell you that your fair complexion may be your biggest asset to great wound healing!
Our skin may be a little thinner and the arteries and veins may appear to be a little more superficial but neither of those issues should contribute to more bleeding, longer scars or thicker scars.
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1. The technical aspects of the surgeon will have a significant impact on the quality of the...
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Red heads and scars
It is generally believed that red heads do have more intense scars. In my experience they do subside after several months. They will look bad for a while. Eventually they should look normal and thin white lines. Be patient.
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Do redheads heal differently?
Rumors have it that redheads heal differently. They are supposed to have a higher risk of bleeding after surgery. I have not seen this to be true. I do think that scars in redheads heal particularly well. In my experience the scars are very difficult to see after they finish healing. That's a good thing. Good luck.
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Red hair and scarring
I think it is a fairy tale regarding scars and bleeding. Sure, if you have a bleeding disorder then yes you would bleed more. Scarring will take one year or longer to improve.
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Red heads and scars
Thank you for the question. Generally speaking scars can take up to 18 months to settle. One to find out about how you scar is to look at an old scar in your body. People differ in the way the scars heal but most will have favorable scars. You should discuss with your plastic surgeon how to take care of your wounds and scars postoperatively. Post op scar managements is important to optimize your healing and usually ensures better outcome. Best wishes.
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Scar format
The type of scars patients get does vary considerably. If you are fair skinned, your scars will probably heal just fine, although it can take up to a year or more for scars to fade with the operations you are having. Having red hair should not make difference. Good luck!
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Not true in my experience
From my experience, red heads may develop a redder scar initially but over time, the scars are better than darker skinned individuals. In general, the more pigmentation you have in your skin, the worse you scar. Therefore, redheads with less pigmentation should overall scar better. Initially, your scars will be red an raised but should fade between 6 months to a year. I do think red heads bleed more as well. Good luck.!
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Red heads do have pink scars longer
There is no increased risk of poor or abnormal scar for read heads, and no increased risk of bleeding, however it is true that the scars will appear pink longer than average. On the plus side however, red heads have a low risk of scar hyperpigmentation. This is a very good plus indeed.
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Red Heads Scar Differently after Surgery?
Thank you for the interesting question.
Sometimes, it is hard to differentiate what is “scientifically proven” from what has been passed (as gospel) from one generation of surgeons to another.
Although I have not done a literature search, I would be willing to bet that there is no reliable study that shows that redheads are more prone to bleeding and/or abnormal scarring.
At this point, I would suggest that you not worry ( about what is more likely myth than...
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Nothing scientific to support reheads scarry more.
The healing of a surgical wound is, in large part, genetically determined. Dark complexions are more likely to keloid in given areas. Fair skinned patients may demonstrate redness more intensely because of a lack of pigment in the skin to camouflage it, but I am unaware of any study the shows a poorer outcome in fairskinned redhaired individuals.
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Read Heads
Yes, it is said that surgeons should beware of the “Red Head” for possible issues of bleeding and poor post operative scaring. These are considerations that most surgeons take into account. Consider discussing your concerns with your surgeon before your operations. Ask how they are going to be addressed. Best,
Gary R Culbertson, MD, FACS
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