A scar is the patch of new tissue your body builds to repair a wound that went deeper than the top layer of skin. Because scar tissue is made of collagen laid down quickly in a different pattern from normal skin, it can look flatter, raised, sunken, darker or lighter than the skin around it. Most scars fade and flatten over 12 to 18 months. Silicone gel or sheets have the best evidence for at-home scar care, and dermatologists can improve stubborn scars with steroid injections, lasers, microneedling and other procedures.
6 Types of Scars
| Type | What it looks like | Common causes |
| Flat (fine-line) scar | Thin, pale line, level with the skin | Minor cuts, neat surgical wounds |
| Hypertrophic scar | Raised, red, stays within the wound edges; can itch | Burns, deep cuts, surgery, piercings |
| Keloid | Raised, firm, grows beyond the original wound | Any injury; more common on darker skin, earlobes, chest, shoulders |
| Atrophic scar | Sunken pits or dents | Acne, chickenpox |
| Contracture scar | Tight skin that can limit movement | Large burns |
| Stretch marks | Thin lines, red or purple then silvery | Rapid growth, pregnancy, weight change |
How Scars Heal: The Timeline
| Stage | Time | What happens |
| Inflammation | First few days | Bleeding stops, swelling and redness as the body cleans the wound |
| New tissue | About 1 to 3 weeks | The wound closes with new pink skin and collagen |
| Remodelling | 3 weeks to 12 to 18 months | Collagen reorganises; the scar slowly flattens, softens and fades |
Because remodelling takes so long, dermatologists usually wait several months before judging a scar’s final appearance, unless it is clearly growing, painful or limiting movement.
At-Home Scar Care That Works
- Silicone gel or sheets: the best-supported home treatment. Start once the wound has fully closed and use daily for at least 2 to 3 months. It hydrates the scar and helps it stay flatter and softer.
- Sun protection: UV light can darken a new scar for good. Cover it or use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ for at least a year.
- Gentle massage: once healed, massaging the scar with a plain moisturiser for a few minutes a day may help it soften.
- Keep it moisturised: dry scars tend to itch and look more noticeable.
- Be wary of miracle creams: onion extract, vitamin E and many “scar creams” have weak or mixed evidence.
Medical Scar Treatments
| Treatment | Best for | What to expect |
| Steroid injections | Hypertrophic scars, keloids | Often the first choice; studies suggest about a 50% average size reduction; several sessions; can recur |
| Cryotherapy | Small raised scars and keloids | Freezes scar tissue; many people improve |
| Laser treatment | Red, raised or uneven scars; acne scars | Several sessions; can even out colour and texture |
| Microneedling | Acne and atrophic scars | Tiny needles stimulate collagen; a series of treatments |
| Fillers and subcision | Deep, sunken acne scars | Lifts or releases tethered scars; fillers are temporary |
| Chemical peels | Shallow acne scars, dark marks | Improves texture and colour gradually |
| Surgical revision | Wide, tight or badly placed scars | Replaces the scar with a neater one; no scar disappears completely |
How to Prevent a Scar
- Clean the wound gently with water and mild soap.
- Keep it moist with petroleum jelly and covered with a bandage; moist wounds heal with less scarring than dry scabs.
- Do not pick scabs or pop spots.
- Get stitches for deep or gaping cuts within hours.
- Protect healing skin from the sun.
- If you know you form keloids, avoid elective piercings and tattoos and tell your doctor before surgery.
Scars Around the Lips and Face
Facial skin has a good blood supply, so cuts often heal well, but scars on the lip border can change its shape. A dermatologist or plastic surgeon can treat these precisely. Some people also ask whether a lip scar affects cosmetic treatments; injectors usually assess the area first. Read more in our lip flip side effects guide.
When to See a Doctor About a Scar
- The scar keeps growing beyond the original wound (possible keloid).
- It is painful, very itchy or restricts movement.
- It bleeds, breaks open or changes colour or shape years later.
- A wound shows signs of infection: spreading redness, warmth, pus or fever.
Scar FAQs
Do scars ever go away completely?
No scar disappears completely, but most fade a lot within 1 to 2 years, and treatment can make them much less noticeable.
Is it too late to treat an old scar?
No. Older scars respond to lasers, microneedling and surgery, though new scars respond best to silicone.
Does vitamin E help scars?
Evidence is weak, and it can cause skin irritation in some people. Silicone is a better first choice.
What is the difference between a keloid and a hypertrophic scar?
Both are raised. A hypertrophic scar stays within the wound and often improves over time; a keloid spreads beyond it and rarely improves without treatment.
This article is for general information only. See our medical disclaimer and ask a dermatologist about your scar.
Sources: GoodRx: Treatments to get rid of scars; Mayo Clinic: Tips for scar management; Healthline: How to prevent scarring.
