Scarring gone wrong after areola reduction - will it heal with more time? (Photo)

Question

6 months ago I had an Areola reduction. While I’m very happy with my right Areola (the scar healed well, no inflammation. No surrounding dark spots), I feel as if my left Areola had healed horribly. The scar is inflamed, there are bumps in the incision around the Areola and I still have a bright red mark from the needle of the local anesthesia under my left Areola. Will it heal with more time? Can I get another Areola reduction in the future? I did this to help me and I hate my left Areola now.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

I would begin with a simple scar protocol for your areolar scars. Start Sequel Scar Defense serum and Sequel Dark Scar Corrector to help with your scar - followed by vbeam laser and fractional resurfacing.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear user7272,
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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You have some hypertrophic scarring which could be treated with Kenalog injections. Revision surgery might wind up with even more scarring. Micro-needling could also be helpful.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It takes up to a year for scars to mature so you may notice improvement with more time.  There are treatments you can consider now such as scar creams, silicone sheeting, lasers, and steroid injections.  If you are still unhappy after a year you can consider scar revision.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Scars take time to mature.
Scars take at least 12 to 18 months before they are mature.
This procedure is complex and known to have issues with healing on some patients.
There are a lot of variables that can influence the outcome.
To make an assessment regarding the outcome of any plastic surgery called procedure we generally need to see a complete set of proper before and after pictures.
If we don’t know how big your areola was, we don’t know what to expect in regards to the outcome.
The greater the reduction, the more likely it is to have healing problems.
Patients who are prone to hypertrophic scarring should also expect the potential scar formation from this procedure. 
The type of suture material and technique used during surgery can also have some impact.
I suggest you follow up with your provider and give yourself enough time to heal properly before making a final assessment.
Six months is not enough time to be done with healing.
For patients who develop hypertrophic scarring , I usually have them wear silicone sheeting.
If you’re having issues with your healing, you should get guidance from your provider.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

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