Can breast lift scars be lightened? (Photo)

Question

I had a breast lift awhile back. I'm wondering if the scars can be lightened? One doctor mentioned a cream with hydroquinone, but is that safe to be used on the breast?

Shim Ching, MD · Answer

You do have some pigmentation of your scars.  Hydroquinone can work.  IPL treatments also can be effective to lighten the scars.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

I recommend you discuss a product called Scarguard lightener with your plastic surgeon.  I have patients with good improvement with diligent use.  Good Luck.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Most of the time hyperpigmentation is a response to inflammation and improves as time passes.  If persistent, hydroquinone can be used to bleach out some of the excess color.

M. Scott Haydon, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. It looks like you have a great result. The time it takes scar to completely fade is one year. After about 3 months, Hydroquinone is an option. Depending on the darkness of your skin, IPL might also be an option. Best of Luck!

Can breast lift scars be lightened? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Hyperpigmented breast lift scars can be treated.

Answer: Hyperpigmented breast lift scars can be treated.

Answer: Scar color should fade

Answer: Scar color should fade

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Everything you need to know about Breast Lift

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Can breast lift scars be lightened? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Hyperpigmented breast lift scars can be treated.

Answer: Hyperpigmented breast lift scars can be treated.

Answer: Scar color should fade

Answer: Scar color should fade

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift

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