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

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!

Thanks for your question! It is too difficult to determine without seeing your pre-op photos. I would definitely suggest starting with scar cream and laser treatments if necessary. They can definitely help! Good luck!

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.

Hi and welcome to our forum!
From your photo, I note an ill-circumscribed crescent of increased pigmentation adjacent to the surgical scar. It may be hyperpigmentation of healing or could represent a crescent of residual areola.
Many patients who undergo breast reduction will also demonstrate large areolae. Many will have areolae with ill-defined borders that extend a considerable distance from the nipple. The presence of large areolae may preclude initial direct closure of the surgical incision, necessitating leaving as little as possible of the areolar tissue while allowing for incisional repair. Quite often, as the healing tissues remodel and soften over a period of 6-12 months, a secondary revision may further tighten the inferior breast and eliminate the residual pigmentation, regardless of causation.
If this is of concern to you, revisit your plastic surgeon for re-evaluation and discussion. You will suffer no ill effects of leaving it alone.
Best wishes...