8 month update - hyperpigmented scars

I had my 8 month follow up appointment with my surgeon tonight and surgeon was really happy with the size, shape and softness of my boobs (so am I!). I previously saw him at 5 months when we discussed my left boob being slightly lower which didn't seem to exist pre op. Annoyingly my nipple on this side is naturally higher so this is emphasised with the boob being slightly lower so the nipple sits high (if that makes sense!). But we concluded it hadn't lowered further since 5 months and no 2 boobs are the same. I am very happy with their shape and size so I didn't want to go through a revision which may not result in a better look anyway.

But then we got into the subject of my scars which were still red at 5 months. Now they aren't red but are blotchy and darker in places and apparently they are hyperpigmented slightly. Has anyone else had this? I can't find much in the search. It's apparently more common in darker skins that tan easily (which I do). I always wondered if my scars were normal as they are quite noticeable but I didn't know if everyone's are! They are flat and very soft though. So we discussed options and he felt we should wait another 2 months to see if there is any difference and then consider a scar revision. Apparently when the scar heals under tension from being stretched it can cause this in those susceptible, so excising it out and re-stitching already stretched skin can help. Has anyone else had a scar revision?

So I'll wait it out and see. Hubby doesn't want me to go through another op when he thinks they aren't that bad. But I wonder if it is worth it to improve a scar, if the scar won't get better on its own. Put it this way, naked you would always know I'd had a boob job by noticing my scars.

It's still all been worth it though and I'm so excited about Valentine's and buying nice undies. I have never got excited about valentines before from that perspective! It does serve as a reminder though to get good access to your surgeon and aftercare! Today was my 5th post op appt with surgeon, all instigated by him, which is so reassuring.

Hmm...if it were me, I'd leave it. Unless I had a bikini malfunction (and assuming they're nicely tucked away in the crease), no one other than me and hubs is going to see them. Plus the revision isn't a guarantee, it could just happen again. I would think hard about how bad they are in the grand scheme of things. For me, it just wouldn't be worth going under the knife again. But its got to be your decision, if they're not part of the amazing boobs you've always wanted, then maybe its a small sacrifice to pay. Or maybe it can wait until natural re-op time. I don't know, I'm spewing thoughts here! All I know is I've had scar tissue removed before, and its not a walk in the park.

Glad you're happy elsewise :)

Thanks charli, really appreciate your opinion, which matches my husbands!! Surgeon said it would be done under local aneasthetic which freaks me out a little (would rather be knocked out!). I'll have a think, they are definitely hidden as about 1cm above my crease on the breast mound but I would feel conscious getting dressed in the (imaginary) gym/pool (that I never go to!). How come you've had to have scar tissue removed? Did it heal any different and was it under local?

I had some, ahem, tearing issues when it came to wifely duties, and had to have the scar tissue removed so it would heal 'correctly'. It was under general. I guess it makes the scar area smaller? Because its scar tissue it doesn't stretch like regular skin, so I guess that's what he means by healing under tension. So yes, it did heal differently, because things are thumbs up now! (sorry if tmi!). But like with everything, that's me, it may be different for you. Its like the girls who go in for keloid removal and come out worse. I'm not trying to scare you off, just y'know, devils advocate! 

I think the surgeons right, give it a couple more months, and re-visit it then.

Sorry didn't mean to pry....glad it's worked out!

And it's good to play Devils advocate....that's usually me and my friends hate it!!

Wait & see how you feel next time you see surgeon. Where the scars are & the fact it's being done under local anaesthetic on already stretched skin, would think it would only cause minor discomfort for a few days afterwards. Question your surgeon for his opinion on the chances of them being greatly improved, no change or looking worse , then take it from there. 
XXX

Not prying, I'd have told you to bu99er off otherwise! Any way I can help!

Lol!

Thanks mirren, I'll wait and see but he definitely felt there would be an improvement based on them healing without being under as much stretch/tension. Obviously nothing is guaranteed though and I guess it could open a can of other worms! I'll see how I feel and do some research on the outcomes of other scar revisions, if I can find it!

Have your scars been in direct sunlight at all lovely?
If the hyperpigmentation can be caused by UVA / UVB it would fade after about 3 months.
It could just be the way you scar, and luckily it's in an area you probably can't see :) xx

No sunlight at all. I haven't been on a proper holiday in over a year [cries and rocks in the corner....]! We went to Italy for 3 nights in July and it rained 2 days!!

OH NO! Aww bless you :( where about in Italy did you go? - in July as well, how unfortunate! xx

We went to lake Garda which is where we got married the year before! For our wedding it was boiling (too hot!) so no pleasing some!! Luckily we've just booked to go to Thailand/Malaysia next Christmas so I'll wait for my sun fix until then!

I have a 3 month old scar on my shoulder which has healed really well so will keep that out of the sun too and I'm hoping that scar may reflect that I may scar 'normally'. We'll see!

Well there's a positive!

Oooo I'm soo jealous Thailand and Malaysia sound amazing! - I hope you're going to ride on an elephant and stroke a tiger!!

Because I'm a skin type 1 on the Fitzpatrick scale, Mr Foo told me to be aware my scar might be lumpy and pink for quite a while. I told him I had a mole removed off my chest when I was 8, (I had to go to a plastic surgeon then because of the area and skin type) and that has healed really well (he didn't even notice until I pointed it out) xx

haha [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] you always manage to make me chuckle even when you probably don't intend to!! :) x

If I can make one person chuckle a day, my job is done 

Hi Mammamia. Forgive my ignorance but can you not get some sort of skin bleaching cream to fade out the hyperpigmentation? Like you can use on other areas of the body..like a fadeout cream? If it's flat and smooth no keloid scarring it might work? As long as scars are all completely healed xx

Not ignorance at all nikkijane! Thanks for sharing. That was something I stumbled across in Google so it's on my list of questions to ask in April! Sounds ideal if it works. I've read mixed reviews so it will be interesting to hear my surgeons opinion and if he has any experience. Although i did read a few opinions from plastic surgeons saying people spend a lot of money on 'scar treatments' such as these and laser when they may have limited benefit and often a simple surgical revision is felt to be better. I'd probably be willing to try though if it may avoid a surgical option! x

May be a good first option to try! Then if all else fails let the surgeon do his thing. Glad it wasn't a daft suggestion lol x

I went to see my surgeon for the follow up appt tonight. Surgeon was great and agreed scars hadn't changed further and were slightly pigmented. We discussed a scar revision and because i've healed well in other areas (not with skin under tension) he thinks I could get a better result, but no guarantees. If I have it done before my year aftercare is up it will be free. After that, surgeon costs are free but hospital fees will be charged (£215). So he's booked me in to hold a date but asked me to think about it and consider if I want to go ahead or cancel. Apparently risks will be low as only skin deep and recovery easier as no disturbance but obviously scar recovery is the same....dressings, no soaking, no sun for a year....

He's also posting me some bleaching cream to try, although he wasn't convinced.

So now I need to decide if I can be bothered, and if it bothers me. It's hard to gauge as I never really knew what to expect having never seen mature boob scars before. I think my gut is telling me to save myself the bother. And if they start to bother me just pay the hospital fees to get them fixed. But then I think if I can get better result what's stopping me!

Hate decisions!!

ooh this is a tough one! I don't know what I would do...you've paid for amazing boobs, and you have them.
However if your scars are bothering you so much it needs a lot of thought.
In all honestly I don't think I would bother personally as it may make no difference but it's a judgement call only you can make.
Your boobs are fab, nobody sees your scars so unless it's a really major issue for you just carry on rocking those boobies! xx

Just sent you a PM 

The op itself will be in and out, you'll be under for 20mins max. You've got to think about whether you want to go through all that again, and whether its really bothering you. £215 isnt really that much in the grand scheme of things, so I'd say you have time to think (as long as that is the final price). 

I would still personally leave it. But thats me and my opinion only.

This is a toughie, really depends on how much it actually bothers you and if it's worth the risk of happening again. Personally I'd probably wait, and IF it does become an issue, pay the £215 when the time comes rather than doing it now just because it's free. As Charliii said, in the grand scheme, £215 is nothing really.

Thanks everyone, really appreciate your thoughts and opinions! I think I've decided to leave it. Despite wanting perfection (after all you pay enough!) I don't think it bothers me enough to have the revision. I'm going to try the bleaching cream and then re-think next year. By then, I should know if they bother me or not!

Hope the bleaching cream works.
As you say they aren't bothering you enough to consider revision just now, think I would do the same if in your position.
XXX

I'm glad you've come to a decision. I hope the bleaching cream works but if it doesn't you know you've always got another option if needs be xx