Is this scarring or my old areola? Should I use scar cream? (photo)

Dear Compassionate443236,
I understand you are concerned with the appearance of your scars. As your scars heal, it should flatten out and lighten. Loss of pigmentation or hyperpigmentation may also be experienced but will resolve over time. Always follow your surgeon's post operative care instructions when it comes to scar management to avoid any complications like infection and for faster healing and recovery.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Pre op photos would be needed to know for sure but it appears the area of discoloration is likely a result of the scarring. You can put scar creams on it to help it lighten. You can also consider prescription medications or laser treatments to lighten the scars. Scars can take up to one year or more to soften, fade, and mature.

Hello! It really is difficult to tell if that is remainder areola vs. scarring without having your pre-surgical photos but the pattern and lengths of the scar certainly suggests that it is just widened scarring from your reduction which is common. Scar cream is really most effective during the 1st 6 months of use but needs to be used daily 2x a day w/ scar massage. There are other ways to get a better scar nonsurgically such as utilized co2 laser treatment or microneedling such as Morpheus 8. In your particular circumstance, I would continue using scar cream until the 6 mo. mark and if you are still displeased w/ the result would request a scar revision. Most plastic surgeons revise their own surgical scars without any additional cost to the patient as it is a procedure that can be done with just local anesthesia. Good Luck!