When will dark breast lift scars fade to white? (Photo)

Thank you for your question. At this point, it is likely your scars will not turn white naturally. It is time to make an appointment with your surgeon or a trusted Dermatologist for bleaching agents or laser therapy to see if they can help lighten them. This "browning" of scars typically happens on darker skinned individuals and are of no fault of your own nor your surgeon. This is one of the main reasons I developed The Bellesoma Method breast lift and reduction technique that never requires the vertical scar component. Scars going down the middle of the lower pole of the breast are too obvious. I am so sorry this has happened to you. I do wish you are successful at minimizing them. Best wishes and kind regards,

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

Hi sashaaxo,

For scars, I close all of my incisions in 5 layers and do not use absorbable sutures because they cause inflammation and worse scarring. I tape all of my incisions in the office visits once a week for six weeks after surgery to improve the appearance. After taping, I start my patients on a scar gel therapy for 3 months that they have to put on their incisions twice daily.

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.

If you are concerned, you should visit your plastic surgeon for assessment and to discuss your concerns, as different surgeons have different approaches in scar management. Your surgeon can also advice you of new innovations that can help with managing and improving the appearance of scars like lasers and other scar treatment modalities.

Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery

Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery

Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Scars will generally mature over the course of a year. Over this 12 month period they will typically soften, flatten and lighten in color.  During this time scar massage and sun avoidance is encouraged.I would not expect significant changes outside of a year. However, there options including scar revision/excision, steroid/Kenalog injections and laser/light therapy treatments.Ultimately, in your case, I would urge a measure of patience. "Tincture of time" as it is sometimes called will help more than anything else at this juncture. But you may consider scar recovery gels and silicone sheeting as well.As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

As scars mature over months to a year (from bright red to purple-y red to dull dark red), the quality of the scar usually improves.  There is almost always lightening of the scars.  If these continue to be an issue, scar revision is probably the most reliable option.  The color of the scar can be improved by a variety of modalities. 

Scars typically take six months to one year to fade and assume their optimal appearance. Occasionally, scars can darken over time, a process called postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Darker skin types are at greater risks for this problem. From your photos, it would appear that this may be occuring. The process is reversible , particularly if treated early. Topical skin lightening agents containing hydroquinone are the initial treatment . Have your surgeon examine you to see if this may your problem.

Breast scars typically start fading from 3 months and are usually fully mature at 12-18 months. Your scars do look darker than average at this stage, this is likely to be your individual scar response - some people develop hyperpigmented scars despite the surgery all going well. If these are hyperpigmented scars then they could be managed by lightening creams to bleach the scar, or if this fails then you have the option of laser treatment or scar revision. It would be best to have them reviewed by your Plastic Surgeon.

 Generally speaking, scars fade and improve in appearance of the course of the first year and beyond. Sometimes, after breast reduction or lifting surgery,  residual pigmented skin (leftover areola skin) remains along the along the vertical scar.    In some cases, removal of all areola pigmented skin can result in a breast size that is too small or a breast shape that is not ideal. If areola pigment remains (after breast reduction or lifting surgery), it can be  usually be excised down the line (I usually wait about one year post). I hope this helps.

Hi dear, thank you for your question.It will take time for the scar to fade but you can still a few products such like rosa Mosqueta oil to improve its appearance and also arnica oil to the area. Ask your PS which lotions or products will benefit a faster recovery of the scar but still, it only improves with time.Hope this helps,Dr. Jimenez Toribio Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon.

Hi and welcome to our forum!Pigmentary changes following surgery may be the result of a hereditary predisposition to dark scars. It may be the result of delayed healing or excessive postoperative inflammation. It can result from excessive sun exposure to a healing scar. The modality of treatment depends upon its causation. It may respond to laser treatments, skin bleaching, or surgical scar revision.Speak with your plastic surgeon about this problem as your scars are almost mature.Best wishes...