Redness on areolas after laser and tretinoin/hydroquinone - What can I do to improve the redness? (photo)

Question

I had areola reduction surgery four years ago, and to improve the scars I had co2 laser which ended up making the scars look worse. I applied topical tretinoin and hydroquinone to the scars on the recommendation of my surgeon, but I think the cream got on my areola as I’ve been left with red patches on my areola itself. The photos show the redness - it’s gone down a bit over the last two years, but it’s very slow and I’m worried I’ll be left like this. What can I do to improve the redness?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear laurawatson100,

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

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The redness may be related to irritation from the products used.  If so it should improve when you stop putting the treatment on the scars.  Since your surgery is four years ago you are a candidate for scar revision if you choose.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

It looks like some of the redness is related to your Montgomery glands.
It’s a little bit difficult to interpret your pictures.
I’m not sure if these are before or after your treatment?
I’m not sure there’s much to do at this point.
Application of tretinoin often causes some short term redness.
I also don’t know if the CO2 laser is ideal for treating redness in scars or skin kind.
The scar itself is hypopigmented, so I’m not sure if you’re concerned about the redness of the skin adjacent to the scar or the scar itself.
An areola reduction without a breast lift can lead to widened scars depending on circumstances. 
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

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