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

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!

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

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.

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!

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.