Do Red Heads Scar Differently Than Others?

     Redheads may have reddened scars initially, but people with lighter complexions tend to scar better than people with darker complexions.

Actually most plastic surgeons would agree that red heads, blondes, fair eyed (green, blue, hazel) tend to have superior scars that eventually are pale, fine and flat. Though not true for all, your complexion and hair color are in your favor.

Hello SValentine,

As a fair skinned woman, with freckles and light hair...I can tell you that your fair complexion may be your biggest asset to great wound healing!

Our skin may be a little thinner and the arteries and veins may appear to be a little more superficial but neither of those issues should contribute to more bleeding, longer scars or thicker scars.

TIPS FOR YOU:

1.  The technical aspects of the surgeon will have a significant impact on the quality of the scars

2.  Massaging the incisions after the surgery will assist in remodeling the scars and smoothing them out

3.  Since you have 'light' skin with little pigment, your scars are likely to leave just a white line

4.  Avoid aspirin and aspirin containing products (alleve, advil, motrin) for 2 week before surgery as these can contribute to more bleeding and bruising with surgery

Thanks for asking!  Dr Ellen

 

Rumors have it that redheads heal differently. They are supposed to have a higher risk of bleeding after surgery. I have not seen this to be true. I do think that scars in redheads heal particularly well. In my experience the scars are very difficult to see after they finish healing. That's a good thing. Good luck.

The type of scars patients get does vary considerably.  If you are fair skinned, your scars will probably heal just fine, although it can take up to a year or more for scars to fade with the operations you are having.  Having red hair should not make difference.  Good luck!

The healing of a surgical wound is, in large part, genetically determined.  Dark complexions are more likely to keloid in given areas.  Fair skinned patients may demonstrate redness more intensely because of a lack of pigment in the skin to camouflage it, but I am unaware of any study the shows a poorer outcome in fairskinned redhaired individuals.

Patients with your complexion tend to scar the best of all skin types. You should have a pale scar with the passage of time

It is widely held that redheads bleed more and get worse scars. I know of none of my colleagues that believe that based upon experience. Best wishes on your upcoming surgery.

I think it is a fairy tale regarding scars and bleeding. Sure, if you have a bleeding disorder then yes you would bleed more.  Scarring will take one year or longer to improve.

Thank you for the question. Generally speaking scars can take up to 18 months to settle.  One to find out about how you scar is to look at an old scar in your body. People differ in the way the scars heal but most will have favorable scars. You should discuss with your plastic surgeon how to take care of your wounds and scars postoperatively. Post op scar managements is important to optimize your healing and usually ensures better outcome. Best wishes.