How do I lighten breast lift scars from pigmentation from the areola? (Photo)

Question

my doctor said I my areola was very big with splatter if pigmentation. During my breast lift procedure, my old areola became part of my vertical incision. He told me today, this scar will not go away. Is there any way to reduce this?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Dark and pigmented scars are usually caused by skin trauma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Common causes include insect bites, burns, chemical peels, lasers, and surgery. Hyperpigmentation of the skin can be treated with our Hidef scar pigmentation protocols that include laser therapy, topical Melarase creams, and skin exfoliation using chemical peels and Melapads. 
  
Melarase AM and Melarase PM is ideal for skin pigmentation on the face. Luminase and Exfolase creams are ideal for the body to correct pigmentation. In our office, we would begin our Rapid Exfoliation treatments to lighten the discoloration quickly. In some cases, Q switch laser can be used to further drive out discoloration. Clear and Brilliant laser can also be used to drive out pigmentation and add texture to a scar. 
  
Redness from PIE (post inflammatory erythema) is treated with Vbeam laser and IPL. In some cases, RF coagulation is ideal. I would advise Plato’s Scar Serum twice daily on red scars. 
  
Textural scars respond well to nanofractional RF and fractional laser to help improve surface texture. When combined with scar modulation, the results can improve dramatically. The most important variable is for you to choose a plastic surgeon with expertise in laser therapy using Hidef protocols. 
  
Best, 
  
Dr. Karamanoukian           
  
Realself100 Surgeon

Laura Riehm, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and posting a picture.  The dark spot look like you have post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).  After a personal consultation, we would probably recommend trying the PicoSure Laser with the FOCUS Lens for pigment and texture correction.  PicoSure is safe for all skin types.  Depending on the severity of the pigment, it will probably take 3 to 6 treatments.  This is a relatively small area, so it should not be expensive to treat.  I think it would respond well, but it does take trial and error to find out what will work best.  At the very least, a FOCUS treatment will make it worse.  Best of luck.

How do I lighten breast lift scars from pigmentation from the areola? (Photo)

Answers (2)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

How do I lighten breast lift scars from pigmentation from the areola? (Photo)

Answers (2)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.