Dark Scars at 5.5 Months Post Op?

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis for most deep scars. The options available for acne scars depend on the character of your scars, in terms of topography and contour. We see atrophic and hypertrophic acne scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. We begin each scar evaluation with an assessment of scar quality and subtype. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to decide whether early subcision should be started.

Best,

Hello! Thank you for your question! After any surgical procedure, you should be careful with incisions as well as avoidance of direct UVA and UVB rays in order to lessen the chance for hyperpigmentation of the skin and scars, which can take several months to resolve, if it ever does. Sunblock is recommended regardless. The ability of the affected area to heal has been slowed and you should try to avoid additional swelling to the area. The area will likely be numb for several weeks to months and will be difficult to feel when sunburn is coming on. Typical recommendations include wearing a hat and/or sunblock to the affected area for at least 6-12 weeks following the procedure. It takes up to one year for scars to fully mature. If after that time of a year, consideration for steroid, laser, or scar revision is reasonable You should also avoid trauma to the area for several months to protect the refinements made during the procedure. Also, avoidance of pools/lakes/jacuzzis/etc for 4-6 weeks is usually recommended to allow adequate healing and protection from stagnant water, that could potentially harbor bacteria. Lifting/exercise restrictions are common for at least 6 weeks. Certainly discuss the postoperative instructions with your surgeon, as thoughts differ among surgeons. Hope that this helps! Best wishes!

Hyperpigmentation particularly in dark complected individuals is a byproduct of wound healing. Scar creams and silicone sheeting don't have any direct benefit. This should improve with time. Bleaching creams may be used but only after the information is totally resolved.

The dark appearance to your scars will likely fade with time.  I usually recommend not considering scar revision until 1 year following your breast augmentation.  Other things that will help are to avoid all sun exposure to the area and to continue using silicone scar tape or gel.  Good luck.

Hyperpigmentation of the scars is common in individuals who tan easily. This increased pigmentation may take up to 12-18 months to resolve. In some people, the hyperpigmentation stays. Options for these scars include IPL, lightening creams, steroid injections, and complete excision. Scars often respond to tension (which occurs in a breast augmentation) by enlarging and sometimes darkening. After the breast accomodates to the new size, a revision may be performed and the new scar is not subjected to the increase in tension resulting in a more pleasing result.