Consultant-led scar guidance
Everything You Need to Know About Scars
Understand how scars heal, how to care for them after surgery, what changes are normal, and what treatment options are available if a scar is causing concern.
Understanding Scars
1 topicTypes of Scars
4 topicsIndented Scars
Why some scars leave a dip or depression in the skin, and the options that may improve them.
Read moreRaised Scars
Why some scars become raised, the difference between hypertrophic and keloid scars, and the options that may help.
Read moreTypes of Scars
The main types of scars explained in plain language - what each looks like and when it may be worth seeking advice.
Read moreWide or Stretched Scars
Why some scars widen or stretch over time, and the options that may help improve them.
Read more
Symptoms & Concerns
3 topicsOld & Mature Scars
Whether an old, settled scar can still be improved, and the options that may help.
Read morePainful or Itchy Scars
Why a healing scar may feel itchy, tender or tight, what is normal, and when it should be checked.
Read moreRed or Dark Scars
Why scars can look red, pink or darker than the surrounding skin, and what may help the colour settle.
Read more
Scar Care
1 topicScar Treatments
2 topicsSurgical Scar Revision
What surgical scar revision is, when it may be considered, what it involves and the realistic improvement that is possible.
Read moreScar Treatments
The main treatment options for scars explained, with realistic expectations and why the right approach depends on the scar.
Read more
Procedure-Specific
7 topicsBreast Augmentation Scars
Where breast augmentation scars are placed, how they typically heal and fade, and how to care for them.
Read moreBreast Lift Scars
Where breast lift (mastopexy) scars sit, how they fade over 12 to 18 months, and the aftercare that helps them settle.
Read moreBreast Reduction Scars
Where breast reduction scars sit, how they change over 12 to 18 months, and the aftercare that supports healing.
Read moreEyelid Surgery Scars
Where eyelid surgery scars sit, why they are usually well hidden, and how they typically heal.
Read moreFacelift Scars
Where facelift scars are placed, how they are hidden in natural creases and the hairline, and how they typically settle.
Read moreLiposuction Scars
Why liposuction leaves only very small scars, where the access incisions are placed, and how they typically heal.
Read moreTummy Tuck Scars
Where a tummy tuck scar sits, how it fades over 12 to 18 months, and the aftercare that helps it settle.
Read more
How scars heal
A scar’s appearance continues to change for many months. It is normal for a new scar to look red, raised or firm at first, and to gradually soften and fade over time. Most scars take up to two years to reach their final appearance, so the way a scar looks in the early weeks is not how it will look once it has fully matured.
Surgery
Early Healing
Red / Pink Scar
Scar Maturation
Final Scar
Scar treatment options
The right approach depends on the type of scar, and not every treatment suits every scar. Your surgeon can advise on what may be appropriate for you.
Silicone Treatment
Silicone gels and sheets are commonly used while a scar is maturing and may help a red or raised scar settle.
Steroid Injections
Used in selected raised or thickened scars to help soften and flatten them and ease itching or discomfort.
Laser Treatment
May help improve a scar's colour, texture or redness in selected cases.
Microneedling
May help improve the texture of selected scars.
Surgical Scar Revision
Surgery intended to improve the position, width or appearance of an existing scar.
Combination Treatment
Some scars may benefit from more than one approach used together.
You can also read about the procedures themselves: breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast lift, tummy tuck, facelift, eyelid surgery and liposuction.
When should you speak to a surgeon?
Most scars settle well with time and simple care. You may wish to seek specialist advice if a scar:
- becomes increasingly painful
- becomes raised or thickened
- widens significantly
- remains very red or dark
- restricts movement
- changes unexpectedly
- remains a concern after the normal healing period
These changes do not necessarily mean anything is wrong, but a consultant plastic surgeon can assess the scar and talk you through whether any treatment may help.
This information is for general guidance only and is not a substitute for advice from a qualified clinician. Reviewed against NHS guidance.