It's been a year and 2 months since this surgery. Scars are pretty red and now it seems like I'm losing pigment on areolas. Is this normal? Will they go back?
Answer: Areolas discoloration This is not the normal or expected result. It looks like you had compromised healing which resulted in the jagged red scar under your areola, possibly due to a high tension closure. At this point you could seek the opinion of a board certified plastic surgeon with experience in breast lifts, and see what can be done. Best wishes on a happy final result
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Answer: Areolas discoloration This is not the normal or expected result. It looks like you had compromised healing which resulted in the jagged red scar under your areola, possibly due to a high tension closure. At this point you could seek the opinion of a board certified plastic surgeon with experience in breast lifts, and see what can be done. Best wishes on a happy final result
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Answer: De-pigmentation can happen.. Based off your photos - (no preop photos for comparison) - its difficult to say how this exactly happened but can happen post mastopexy (breast lift). It seems to have happened on both sides as well - sometimes while healing that area has more to heal since its on the bottom of the breast as well as at the junction of multiple incisions (can lead to more scar tissue, decreased blood supply etc) - which can lead to de-pigmentation over time from loss of pigmented cells (melanin cells). Usually if you are this far out and its still light, likely not going to return back to the original color. If there's loss of sensitivity there (which can happen as well) you might want to try skin tattooing for more color (the tattoo artist these days are very good at matching to the correct shade). Also, revisit with your surgeon and see some possibilities of what can be done and / or what caused this.
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Answer: De-pigmentation can happen.. Based off your photos - (no preop photos for comparison) - its difficult to say how this exactly happened but can happen post mastopexy (breast lift). It seems to have happened on both sides as well - sometimes while healing that area has more to heal since its on the bottom of the breast as well as at the junction of multiple incisions (can lead to more scar tissue, decreased blood supply etc) - which can lead to de-pigmentation over time from loss of pigmented cells (melanin cells). Usually if you are this far out and its still light, likely not going to return back to the original color. If there's loss of sensitivity there (which can happen as well) you might want to try skin tattooing for more color (the tattoo artist these days are very good at matching to the correct shade). Also, revisit with your surgeon and see some possibilities of what can be done and / or what caused this.
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June 17, 2025
Answer: Red Scars and Areola Pigment Loss Over a Year After Surgery – Is This Normal? Thank you for sharing your photo — it provides helpful context. At 14 months post-op, it's reasonable to expect scars to be settling and fading, but what you're describing suggests a few things worth considering.
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June 17, 2025
Answer: Red Scars and Areola Pigment Loss Over a Year After Surgery – Is This Normal? Thank you for sharing your photo — it provides helpful context. At 14 months post-op, it's reasonable to expect scars to be settling and fading, but what you're describing suggests a few things worth considering.
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June 3, 2025
Answer: Scar concerns Thank you for submitting your questions and photos. I am sorry you are experiencing this issue with your scars and areola pigmentation. Based on the photos, you may be a good candidate for scar revision. This would involve removing your existing scars and re-doing them using a less reactive suture. Shortly thereafter, there are some topical products you can put on the scars to prevent this from happening a 2nd time. As far as the areola pigmentation, this could have been caused by a variety of factors. Commonly, it is due to inflammation disupting melanin production, which leads to lighter patches of skin. There are trained tattoo artists that can match your normal areola pigment and help blend the pigment. I recommend you seek a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to go over your options in greater detail. Good luck and thanks again for reaching out.
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June 3, 2025
Answer: Scar concerns Thank you for submitting your questions and photos. I am sorry you are experiencing this issue with your scars and areola pigmentation. Based on the photos, you may be a good candidate for scar revision. This would involve removing your existing scars and re-doing them using a less reactive suture. Shortly thereafter, there are some topical products you can put on the scars to prevent this from happening a 2nd time. As far as the areola pigmentation, this could have been caused by a variety of factors. Commonly, it is due to inflammation disupting melanin production, which leads to lighter patches of skin. There are trained tattoo artists that can match your normal areola pigment and help blend the pigment. I recommend you seek a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to go over your options in greater detail. Good luck and thanks again for reaching out.
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February 21, 2025
Answer: Areola changes after a breast lift Thank you for your pictures and question. Based on your photos, it appears that there may have been a lot of tension on your skin at the end of surgery. Also, you may have had some compromised blood flow to your areola. So long after surgery, it is unlikely that pigment will become normal again to the areola. Tattooing may be the only way to restore a more "normal" color. The rest of your scars do look quite wide, thick, and red. Some topical treatments such as laser therapy or microneedling may help. You may also consider surgical scar revision. Speak with a board certified plastic surgeon and have an in person exam. Good luck!
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February 21, 2025
Answer: Areola changes after a breast lift Thank you for your pictures and question. Based on your photos, it appears that there may have been a lot of tension on your skin at the end of surgery. Also, you may have had some compromised blood flow to your areola. So long after surgery, it is unlikely that pigment will become normal again to the areola. Tattooing may be the only way to restore a more "normal" color. The rest of your scars do look quite wide, thick, and red. Some topical treatments such as laser therapy or microneedling may help. You may also consider surgical scar revision. Speak with a board certified plastic surgeon and have an in person exam. Good luck!
Helpful
December 18, 2024
Answer: Scar and Pigment Concerns Thank you for your question. Having dark, hypertrophic, and wide scars with areola discoloration 14 months after surgery, can be concerning. However, scars continue to fade and flatten over time, with significant improvement within 12 to 18 months. You might consider options such as laser therapy or microneedling to help improve the appearance of the scars. Loss of pigment in the areolas can occur due to surgical trauma, changes in blood flow, or the natural healing process. Unfortunately, it's unlikely that you will regain the normal color of the areolas, but tattooing could be a viable option if desired. It is advisable to discuss your concerns with your surgeon. They can evaluate the scars and changes in pigmentation, providing personalized advice and potential treatment options. Your surgeon may also recommend creams or treatments, such as silicone-based products, to aid in scar healing and address pigmentation issues.
Helpful
December 18, 2024
Answer: Scar and Pigment Concerns Thank you for your question. Having dark, hypertrophic, and wide scars with areola discoloration 14 months after surgery, can be concerning. However, scars continue to fade and flatten over time, with significant improvement within 12 to 18 months. You might consider options such as laser therapy or microneedling to help improve the appearance of the scars. Loss of pigment in the areolas can occur due to surgical trauma, changes in blood flow, or the natural healing process. Unfortunately, it's unlikely that you will regain the normal color of the areolas, but tattooing could be a viable option if desired. It is advisable to discuss your concerns with your surgeon. They can evaluate the scars and changes in pigmentation, providing personalized advice and potential treatment options. Your surgeon may also recommend creams or treatments, such as silicone-based products, to aid in scar healing and address pigmentation issues.
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