I'm Asian, How Can I Minimize the Dark Scarring That Happens Due to the Pigment of my Skin? (photo)

Thanks for sharing. You should probably avoid tanning and direct sun exposure fro about 1 year, use silicone sheets or other scar care method and talk to you PS about hydroquinione. Best of luck, Dr. Aldo.

Hello! Thank you for the question! It is common for scars to fully mature for up to a year. In the meantime, there are a few things that may help to ameliorate your incision/scar. The most proven (as well as cheapest) modality is simple scar massage. Applying pressure and massaging the well-healed scar has been shown to improve the appearance as it breaks up the scar tissue, hopefully producing the finest scar as possible. Other things that have been shown to add some benefit, albeit controversial, are silicone sheets, hydration, and topical steroids. I typically allow after 4-6 weeks postop and once fully healed. In addition, avoidance of direct sunlight to the incision will significantly help the appearance as they tend to discolor with UV light during the healing process. If unsightly scars are still present after approximately a year's time, other things that your surgeon may consider are intralesional steroid injections, laser, or just surgical revision of the scar itself. Lasers may also be an option for the appearance of your scars. If still no result, consideration for lasers, steroids, or scar revision may be entertained. Best wishes!

   If dark scars form after mommy makeover, they will fade over a year's time.  Bleaching can be helpful later on.  There is no one great scar cream or material, but silicone sheeting is cheap and has a long track record in treating in burn scars and poor scars.

Asian patients and all patients of darker complexion may have darkening of their scars after surgery.  Pigment is produced in response to the inflammation of the skin that happens during the healing process.

Most of the time, this darkening improves with time.  If the darkening does not improve, bleaching creams containing hydroquinone in combination with Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) can remove the pigment in most instances.  IPL is similar to a laser treatment.  It targets pigment in the skin and is typically used for photofacials to remove sun induced pigmentation of the face.

I would advise that you discuss your concerns with your surgeon prior to surgery.  He or she will probably have their own ways to deal with this issue.

I have operated on many people with darker pigment in their skin. The key is to be upfront with the possibility of skin color changes. There are many things that can help with scar formation and discoloration. Silicone based gel and strips are great for the first 6-8wks and protection from the sun at all times is a must. If however this does not work there are several laser that can take out pigment form scars including the pulsed dye laser as well as the harmony laser. I hope this helps and good luck.