Review of Postoperative Dyschromia in Fitzpatrick Skin Types IV to VI

Prior literature notes increased rates of delayed diagnosis and increased morbidity and mortality for patients with Fitzpatrick skin types IV to VI with melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers, noting surgical delays and larger postoperative defects. Dyschromia is among the most common concerns in Fitzpatrick skin types IV to VI.

To consolidate the latest information on patient counseling, suture selection, and interventions related to postoperative pigmentary complications for Fitzpatrick skin types IV to VI.

A literature review was conducted using the Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, PubMed from 2014 to 2025 focused on surgical considerations, pathophysiology of surgical considerations, hypopigmented scars, suture selection, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, and treatment and counseling of postsurgical complications or outcomes in Fitzpatrick skin types IV to VI.

Preoperative factors that may worsen wound healing include the use of skin lightning agents. Intraoperative factors include secondary intention healing and full-thickness grafts., Opting for direct or flap closure and noninflammatory suture selection minimizes postoperative dyschromia. Postoperative considerations include Ultraviolet A/B and visible light photoprotection counseling and suture removal timing. Promising treatments need further research including microdermal grafting for hypopigmented scars.

Special considerations in preoperative history taking, intraoperative repair and suture selection, and postoperative counseling minimize the risk of postoperative dyschromia.