What color is a fully healed scar?

Over time, the pinkish color fades, and the scar becomes slightly darker or lighter than the color of the skin. In people with dark skin, scars often appear as dark spots. Sometimes scars itch, and they may be painful or tender.

How often should you massage a scar?

Ideally, you should begin scar massage about two to three weeks after surgery, once the wound has closed completely and the skin has fully healed. For best results, you should perform scar massage for at least 10 minutes, twice a day, for six months.

Do scars tan or stay white?

Fine-line scars are common following a wound or after surgery. They aren't usually painful, but they may be itchy for a few months. On darker skin types, the scar tissue may fade to leave a brown or white mark. A pale scar may be more obvious on tanned skin because scar tissue doesn't tan.

Understanding Scar Discoloration After Plastic Surgery

Khushi | Nov 27, 2025, 14:00 IST

Discoloration

( Image credit : Freepik )

Scar discoloration after plastic surgery is very common, and it often happens due to inflammation, sun exposure, or natural skin pigmentation responses. Understanding why scars turn red, brown, or dark helps make the healing journey less confusing and more manageable. This guide explains what causes these changes, how long they last, and the safe treatments that support scar fading—so healing feels smoother and less stressful.

Scars after plastic surgery can cause of insecurity for many people, making treatment feel urgent. These scar often appear as dark patches, and understanding why they happen can make the healing process much easier and less stressful.

Why Surgical Scars Change Colour Over Time

Scar

( Image credit : Freepik )

Surgical scars change colour over time because of the normal scar maturation process meaning initial redness increases blood flow, followed by thickening and darkening before softening and fading completely.

The maturation process:
Early stage: The scar is red or purple because of the increased blood flow to the area to aid in healing.

Maturation: This is the stage when blood thickens and turns darker over the next months.

Maturity: Over the period of time the scar matures and the excess blood vessels disappear and the tissue softens. The scar fades in colour and the scar can be lighter or darker than the surrounding skin.

Lifestyle Habits That Improve Scar Colour And Healing

Healthy Diet

( Image credit : Freepik )

Following healthy lifestyle habits can improve scar healing and discoloration over time.

Some lifestyle habits:
Sun Protection: UV rays are very harmful for scars as it cam darken and make the discoloration permanent.
Always keep the scar covered with clothing for at least the first year.
For protection apply broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 and higher daily even on cloudy days.

Nutrition: Having balanced diet provides building blocks for healthy skin regeneration.

Protein: It provides essential amino acids for tissue repairing and collagen formation.

Vitamin C and D: They are very important for collagen synthesis and preliminary and suggests that vitamin D pays a huge role in scar management.

When To See A Doctor About Scar Discoloration

Below are some signs that indicate it is important to see a doctor immediately:
If the scar is bothersome due to pain, itching or is tender to the touch.
If the scar becomes raised, rubbery or changes the final appearance significantly over time especially after 12-18 months.
If the scar's appearance bothers there are many treatments that can make it less noticeable.

Taking proper care of the scar and following doctors orders will help in healing the scar more rapidly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What color is a fully healed scar?
Over time, the pinkish color fades, and the scar becomes slightly darker or lighter than the color of the skin. In people with dark skin, scars often appear as dark spots. Sometimes scars itch, and they may be painful or tender.
How often should you massage a scar?
Ideally, you should begin scar massage about two to three weeks after surgery, once the wound has closed completely and the skin has fully healed. For best results, you should perform scar massage for at least 10 minutes, twice a day, for six months.
Do scars tan or stay white?
Fine-line scars are common following a wound or after surgery. They aren't usually painful, but they may be itchy for a few months. On darker skin types, the scar tissue may fade to leave a brown or white mark. A pale scar may be more obvious on tanned skin because scar tissue doesn't tan.

GENERAL

Khushi