Will hypopigmentation after periareolar incision improve over time? (Photo)

Question

Hello, I am having some slight hypopigmentation on my areola after breast augmentation. I am wondering if there is any possibility this will improve over time, and if so, is there anything I can do to help it improve? Or will it stay like this and will I eventually need tattooing to restore color? I am 3 weeks post op with 310L/295R smooth round gels.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,Thank you  for your question and photo. Currently your scars appear dark, not lighter than the rest of the areola skin. If you find by the one year mark, when your scars have matured that you have some permanent loss of pigment, micro pigmentation with tattooing can be an excellent solution.All the best

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Hello, if your surgery was only 3 weeks ago, I would suggest reserving judgement about the colour and texture for at least 12 months postop.

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

At
this point in your recovery, it is much too soon to be worried about the
outcome.  It takes time for the implants to settle into position and the
skin and muscle to stretch out to accommodate the new implant.  It may be
6 months or more before the shape has reached its final look.  Be patient. I have never seen anyone need a tattoo in this situation.

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.It is to early to tell. Give your scars about 6 months to heal & lighten. If still unhappy at that time, contact your surgeon to discuss your options. Best of luck.

Joseph L. Grzeskiewicz, MD, FACS · Answer

One of the best things about the periareolar incision is the fact that the scars are typically inconspicuous in the long run, and if there is some residual pigment abnormality, it can usually be blended very easily with micropigmentation, or medical tatttooing.  At 3 weeks after surgery you are very early in the healing process, and you might see either hypo- or hyperpigmentation at this stage.  The pigment cells in the skin can respond to trauma and inflammation variably, and until those things resolve, we might see changes in tone and color of the skin.  Full scar maturation typically takes a year, and I would allow that much time to see how pigment settles in your scars.  If it hasn't improved spontaneously by that time, it is safe to assume it probably won't, and tattooing would be indicated if more even pigmentation is desired.  The good news is that tattooing generally is very successful, provided that you are treated by someone with lots of experience in doing this.  But again, I wouldn't worry about this too much at this point.  Stay in close contact with your surgeon and discuss your concerns openly with him or her, and when the time comes, he or she will be able to give you appropriate recommendations for managing your scars at that point.  Good luck.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You are very early in the healing phase and your scar will continue to change over the next several months. Please avoid all tanning, and use scar products on your scar. If after 6 months you are concerned about the color of the scar, then you might consider cosmetic tattooing. Please avoid any tattoos in your breast area until then.

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

Thank you for sharing your concern; this is why I do not advocate routine use of the peri-areolar incision. I hope that other realself readers take attention. At this time, you have to improve your scar. Options include:1)steroid injections if raised.2)topical steroids3)IPL if it flat and red4)medical tattooing (last resort)

Will hypopigmentation after periareolar incision improve over time? (Photo)

Answers (7)

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