What can I do to lighten my scars one year post? Will they ever be colorless? (Photos)

Question

They feel nearly flat but are still holding color. I expected them to be more of a colorless line by one year. Besides laser, is there anything that I can do to significantly lighten them at this stage?

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

It’s completely understandable to feel frustrated when scars are still noticeable a year later — especially when you expected them to fade more by now. Even though your scars are already flat (which is great progress), the color can sometimes take much longer to fully settle, depending on your skin tone, genetics, and how your body heals.

At one year post-injury or surgery, scars are generally mature but can still continue to soften and lighten for up to 18–24 months. They may not become completely “colorless,” but they can fade to a much subtler tone with the right care.

Here are a few effective options to help them lighten further:

Topical brighteners – Ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, kojic acid, or licorice extract can help even out pigmentation.

Silicone gels or sheets – Still beneficial even a year later, as they help maintain hydration and reduce pigment contrast.

Gentle exfoliation or retinoids – Promote cell turnover, which can gradually blend scar color with surrounding skin.

Microneedling or PRP – Encourage collagen remodeling and pigment normalization over time, especially if done by a professional.

While laser treatments remain one of the most powerful tools for discoloration, you can still make meaningful improvements with consistent at-home care and non-laser options. Patience really pays off with scars — even subtle changes can make them far less visible as they continue to mature.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

The situation here is one of post-inflammatory hyperpigment (PIH), which can result as part of the healing from many causes, including skin trauma,  infection, acne and, as in this case, following surgery. Although in many cases fading does occur after extended periods of time, in other cases, it may persist for very long periods or indefinitely, 
I have personally found the use of manually performed dermarolling  microneedling (no need for the added expense and risks of RF microneedling), accompanied by the topical application of Rx topical lightening medications to be quite helpful for addressing this issue. 
Exercise a good amount of "buyer beware" caution when being hawked so many of the expensive, supposedly "next big thing" bells and whistles laser and other energy-based gizmos, since the hard science to support their use lags well behind the heavy marketing and social media hype to promote them. 
You would be wise to consult an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist scar treatment expert and best of luck.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser.  Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads can seriously improve surface sun damage and UV related pigmentation. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.  
Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

What can I do to lighten my scars one year post? Will they ever be colorless? (Photos)

Answers (3)

More Scar Removal Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (3)

More Scar Removal Questions

What is the best scar treatment option (non surgical)? (Photo)

How do I improve my alar base scars? (Photo)

Indent on side of nose after blunt trauma, will this fully heal or will I need cosmetic intervention? (Photos)

How can I improve the appearance of my leg scars? (Photos)

Deep acne scar in the glabellar region - how can this be improved? (Photo)

Dermabrasion scar - how can I improve the appearance? (Photo)

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS