Brown scar after breast augmentation and areola reduction. What can be done? (photos)

Dear Celebrated324368,
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

Plastic surgery scars require attention after surgery so that they remain cosmetically-appealing and barely noticeable. In our office, we use a protocol for scars that minimizes their activity in the 6-8 weeks after surgery. If you have late plastic surgery scars, you may also require laser and RF therapy to help reduce the longterm effects of the scarring. Keloids, hypertrophic scars, widened scars, red scars, and hyperpigmented scars all require scar modulation with topical creams followed by lasers and RF therapy. Topical skincare should be directed to a specific need, whether for pigmentation or hypertrophy and our office can guide you through the process to obtain the correct Plato’s Scar cream or Melarase cream for hypertrophy and discoloration. In terms of lasers, we would employ the vbeam laser for redness, Venus Viva RF, PRP microneedling, chemical peels, and Morpheus 8, fractional erbium, or fractional co2. All of these have their individual benefits. Most of all, we recommend you visit a solid plastic surgeon who understands surgical scar revision, laser therapy, and RF therapy for scars.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

It is possible that the brown area you are seeing near your scar could be residual pigmentation from your areola. This can sometimes happen after breast augmentation, especially if the areola was reduced in size during the procedure. The brown area may be due to melanin, which is the pigment that gives color to the skin.

It's also possible that the brown area could be a sign of scarring or hyperpigmentation, which can occur as a result of the healing process after surgery. If the area appears raised or bumpy, it may be a sign of keloid scarring.

To determine the exact cause of the brown area, it would be best to have a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. They can evaluate the area and determine the best course of action.

In some cases, the brown area may fade over time on its own. However, if the area is bothersome or affecting your self-confidence, there are treatments available. These may include laser treatments, chemical peels, or topical creams.

It's important to note that any treatment for the brown area should be done under the guidance of a qualified medical professional. They can help you understand the risks and benefits of each treatment option and determine the best course of action for your specific needs.

I hope this helps,
Best of luck !