Is it normal that breast scars turned from red to either purple or brown? (Photos)

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

Thank you for submitting your question and including photos. There are different factors that unfortunately plays a role when it comes to how a person scars. Genetics and melanin play the biggest role. Each person scar differently and some scars are darker/lighter than others depending on how much melanin is in the skin. Scar cream and/or silicone scar sheets can be used from two weeks post-op up to a year post-op to really fade and minimize the look of scars.

Thank you for your photos and question. Scars can go through many different colors during the first year of healing. I recommend keeping the scars out of any sun light or tanning as this could darker the color even more. You could always try laser treatments to the scars to help minimize the color or even use a bleaching cream. I would recommend consulting with a laser tech and they could help you with the pigment at this point. Best of luck!

Scar maturation is an important aspect of the healing process following surgery. It's essential to understand that scars take time to fully mature, typically around one year. During this period, you might notice changes in the appearance, texture, and color of the scar. Initially, scars may appear red and raised, but gradually, they become flatter and fade in color. It's also crucial to recognize that everyone's body heals differently, and this includes how scars form and mature. Factors like skin type, age, the location of the scar, and individual healing processes play a significant role in how a scar ultimately looks. While some people may have scars that become barely noticeable, others might have scars that remain more visible. Proper wound care and following your surgeon's post-operative instructions can significantly influence the healing process. Remember, patience and consistent care are key elements in managing and understanding the process of scar maturation.

Thank you for your query. The scars are usually a little red initially and can turn darker for some time before coming back to normal skin colour over time. If they do not come back to normal skin colour after several months, some local treatment may be required. Please discuss your concerns with your Plastic surgeon who can help you. All the best!

This is an excellent question. This is completely normal and expected. When wounds heals, they go through many different processes, even when the wound is healed on the surface. An immature scar is typically seen the first few weeks and can still be pinkish and red. Though the wound appears completely healed on the surface level, the wound is going through many healing processes. As the scar matures, the scar will change pigment and color. A scar will take up to one full year to fully mature, so make sure to take care of the scar for many months after surgery for the optimal final outcome.
It is important to take care of your scars after surgery so that the wound can heal appropriately and the scar can mature normally so as to become as faded as possible. Some things that can help with fading scars is applying silicone (sheets or gels), applying sunscreen (even if it is on the breasts and covered by clothing), avoiding the sun and direct UV/sunlight early on - especially when the wound is immature and still red. There is some evidence that scar massage can help with fading scars, particularly when the scar is red and immature.

Scars go through many phases as they mature. They are red when healing, as the circulation brings the things the body needs to reinforce the skin, and then either turn white or sometimes dark. This is called PIH, or post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Just a fancy way of saying that when you get a scrape or pimple, the area can turn brown for a while, sometimes forever. There ar treatments for this in the form of medical creams and peels and even microneedling in some cases.

Yes, it is normal for breast scars to change color over time as part of the natural healing process. After breast surgery, scars typically go through various phases of healing, and the color of the scars can evolve. Here's a general progression of scar color changes:1. Red or Pink (Early Stage): Initially, scars often appear red or pink. This is due to increased blood flow to the healing tissue. Redness is more prominent in the first few weeks to months after surgery.2. Purple or Dark Red (Intermediate Stage): As the healing process continues, the color of the scar may change to purple or dark red. This phase is associated with collagen formation and maturation.3. Brown or Lighter Pigmentation (Later Stage): Over time, scars tend to fade and may take on a brown or lighter pigmentation. This occurs as the scar tissue remodels and matures. The final color of the scar can vary among individuals.It's important to note that the timeline and extent of color changes can differ from person to person. Factors such as skin type, genetics, and the individual's healing process play a role in how scars evolve.If you have concerns about the appearance of your scars or notice any signs of abnormal healing, it's advisable to consult with your plastic surgeon. They can assess the scars, provide guidance on scar care, and address any specific issues you may be experiencing.To optimize scar healing and minimize discoloration:1. Follow Post-Operative Care Instructions: Adhere to the post-operative care guidelines provided by your plastic surgeon, including proper wound care and the use of recommended creams or ointments.2. Protect Scars from Sun Exposure: Sun exposure can lead to hyperpigmentation of scars. Protect your scars from direct sunlight and use sunscreen with a high SPF.3. Massage the Scars: Gentle massage of the scars, as recommended by your surgeon, may help promote tissue flexibility and minimize scar thickness.4. Give it Time: Scar healing is a gradual process, and it may take several months to a year for scars to reach their final appearance.Always consult with your plastic surgeon if you have questions or concerns about your scars, as they can provide guidance based on your individual healing process.

Scar pigmentation changes as healing occurs. It can take a year or more for scars to mature. During this time you can use products approved by your surgeon for favorable scar healing, such as silicone sheeting. It is also important to protect scars from this sun as this can cause them to darken.

Scars do change colors as they heal. If you get in the sun, the scars can darken. Most scars have settled by 6-12 months.