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No, Retin A does not thicken skin. It is effective at reducing the signs of photoaging and is an excellent choice for this but it will not thicken skin.
Retinoids (Retin-A is a brand name) can be used to thicken the second layer of skin called the dermis. It can take up to one year to see noticeable changes but the top part of the skin (the dead cell layer) will be nicely exfoliated quickly (can lead to initial redness and peeling) and so the initial result is thinner skin albeit only slightly. However, long-term retinoids at prescription strength can thicken the skin despite the initial thinning of the superficial layer.
Retn A should be very safe to put on skin which was surgically treated one year ago. While Retin A does thicken the dermis to an extent, the results would be imperceptible. There is a bit of thinning of the dead cells on the top of the epidermis ( the reason for the "glow" when using Retin A) which causes the redness sometimes seen after sun exposure.
Retin-A is not a skin lightener. A better bet would be to use hydroquinone 4% twice daily on the darkened area you wish to treat.
You should use the Vitamin C during the day accompanied with SPF 35 or higher with at east 7% zinc in it, alternating nights with Retin- A. For example: Monday morning you decide to use the Vitamin C in your skin regimen, use the Retin- A Tuesday night; and so on...
After 6 months of use, your skin should have adapted to the Retin-A. If you are having issues, you need to seek re-evaluation by your plastic surgeon or your prescribing physician. You may need a different formulation.
