Can using hydroquinone prevent pigmentation of lift scars?

Question

I have some dark undertones in my skin (a bit darker nipples) and I’m very worried of the vertical scars after breast lift, would using hydrquinone on the breasts for a while on breasts before/and after surgery deactivate pigmentation if scars? Why isn’t it always used in this case? What can be done before surgery and during healing to absolutely minimize the scarring and whitening it?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Michelle Zweifler, MD · Answer

There are several things to minimize scarring.  During breast lift layered closure and tension free followed by taping the scars for the early Postoperative period.  Then I recommend silicone topically to reduced the risk of keloids.  Patients predisposed to hyperpigmentation, maybe prescribed Hydroquinone but not used preoperatively.

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. There are a number of things that can be done to reduce the appearance of scars. Hydroquinone used post-op is one such modality. It is not necessary in all patients and will not effective if used before surgery for surgical scars. I hope this helps. Best of luck!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear mariacatherine,
for scars, I close all of my incisions in 5 layers and do not use absorbable sutures because they cause inflammation and worse scarring. I tape all of my incisions in the office visits once a week for six weeks after surgery to improve the appearance. After taping, I start my patients on a scar gel therapy for 3 months that they have to put on their incisions twice daily.  Hydroquinone can be used to improve hyperpigmentation.You should discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon as different surgeons have different approaches in scar management.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hayley Brown, MD, FACS · Answer

I frequently use hydroquinone after surgery (not before) in women who are susceptible to pigmented scars. It works well for the vertical limb scar starting about 3 weeks post-op, twice per day for 3 months.

Can using hydroquinone prevent pigmentation of lift scars?

Answers (8)

Answer: Scar

Answer: Scar

Answer: Treatment for Dark Scars

Answer: Treatment for Dark Scars

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Everything you need to know about Breast Lift

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Can using hydroquinone prevent pigmentation of lift scars?

Answers (8)

Answer: Scar

Answer: Scar

Answer: Treatment for Dark Scars

Answer: Treatment for Dark Scars

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.