What is the final scar color for someone with tanned skin? (Photo)

Question

Hi dear doctor community, I’ve done my research about tummy tuck post op incisions and recovery. However, I don’t feel there’s enough data(mostly pictures) of tanned skin women. Mostly Caucasian. Can someone please tell me what color a one-year-scar turns into for tanned women? Thanks for sharing

Luis Suarez, MD · Answer

Scars usually get lighter over time and blend in with your skin. For those of you with a tan, your scars might seem darker at first, but they should fade within a year. Everyone's experience is different, so it's a good idea to chat with a dermatologist or plastic surgeon for personalized advice. Take care!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear RealSelfMember09903993,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding the final color of a tanned tummy tuck scar is a white female. This is an interesting question. Initially, if tanned, the scar will become bright pink in a caucasian female. However, in about two years, the scar settles and remains white. Even if you tan, the scar will continue to remain white. Scars do not contain melanin. Melanin is the critical cell that contributes to darkening and tanning. Since scars do not have melanin, no matter how much you tan, the scar will not darken. Therefore if you are a caucasian female, the scars will remain white even if you tanned deeply. I hope this helps answer your question regarding tanning after a tummy tuck in a caucasian female. 
If you have any more questions regarding reconstructive surgery after massive weight loss, please contact my office. Reconstructive surgeries after massive weight loss include an abdominoplasty, tummy tuck, thigh lift, breast lift, mastopexy, arm lift, brachioplasty, torsoplasty, back lift, buttock augmentation, and buttock lift.  Since these reconstructive surgeries after massive weight loss,   are big procedures, please seek an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing these types of lifts. Do your research.  Make sure they have performed at least 100 of each procedure you are considering for reconstructive surgery after massive weight loss.  Make sure they have the before and after pictures to prove it.  Carefully examine their before and after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf.

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding the final color of a scar.

A scar can vary from person to person, but also vary on the same person depending on the location on the body.

Scars have a pretty typical healing process where they start out red, fade to pink, and finally fade to a pale skin color/white.

I recommend an in person consultation with two or more experienced, board-certified Plastic Surgeons for a complete evaluation.

Best wishes!

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you rettedgui for your question.  Everyone tends to scar differently.  Typically I tell my patients the scars tend to heal a little lighter then their natural skin tone.   With that being said it also can heal hyperpigmented.  Scars do take about a year to a year and a half to mature fully.  I would recommend speaking to your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to discuss your questions and concerns.

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @rettedgui, thank you for your question and showing your pictures. The scar outcome depends on the postoperative care, genetics, and daily movements of the patient. For more information and recommendations, it is prudent to consult with one or several board certified plastic surgeons. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

If you tanned the scar in the first 6 months, you scar may be dark. Otherwise, the scar will be usually lighter in color than the surrounding skin and will not tan.

Romy Ahluwalia, MD · Answer

It’s hard to know exactly how you’ll heal, as it various from person to person. Have a look at my tummy tuck Gallery below to see different scar Colours types and healing

Manuel Diaz, MD · Answer

Hi dear I hope you are ok , the color of the scar depends on your healing, and how youre body deals with scaring. I hope you do very well.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Scar coloring can be influenced by your genetics.  Typically after scars have fully matured they should be within a few shades of your natural skin tone.  I invite you to peruse the photo gallery on my website to help you.

What is the final scar color for someone with tanned skin? (Photo)

Answers (11)