Is there a way to get rid of darker skin around where my incisions meet? (Photo)

Question

I had my breast reduction one year ago last month. I am SUPER happy with the results, but I have been curious about these marks. For the first month of recovery, they weren't very noticeable, but quickly became larger and darker. I figured they would fade, but a year later they are still here. Does anyone know what these dark spots are, and if there is a way to fade them? Thanks!

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question
Reach out to your surgeon for options on a possible scar revision. Best wishes!

Albert Ko, MD · Answer

Hi there! Thank you for your question! I usually recommend a silicone based scar gel for any patients concerned with post-surgical scarring. If that doesnt work, you can try 1540 laser treatment or Morpheus 8 micro needling as well. Hope that helps!

Christopher Pannucci, MD, MS · Answer

Hi Daissy67,
Based on your post-op photos, my guess is that you had widely spread areola (the pigmented part around the nipple) prior to surgery. Sometimes, excising the entire areola would result in the vertical scar being too tight, and having the potential to break open--so a small amount of pigmented areola skin is left behind.
Now that your skin has has the chance to stretch out, an in-office re-excision should definitively fix the problem.
Hope this helps.
Best,Christopher Pannucci, MDBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonPlastic Surgery NorthwestSpokane, Washington

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @Daissy67 Thank you for your question. there are several options to diminish the scar through non-surgical treatments to manage a scar process, I link a video related to scars in breast reduction to shed more light. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Daissy67,
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.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

You can have a portion of your scars revised to address this.  After the procedure closely follow your surgeon's instructions for optimal results.  Scar treatments are helpful but it is important to use them consistently.

Is there a way to get rid of darker skin around where my incisions meet? (Photo)

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