--- title: "Everything You Need to Know About Scars" url: "https://www.aestheticplasticsurgeons.org/scar-information" type: "Medical information" summary: "Consultant-led guidance on how scars heal, how to care for a scar after surgery, and the treatment options available if a scar is causing concern." audience: "Adults considering cosmetic plastic surgery or non-surgical treatments, in Cheshire, Manchester and Barbados." language: "en-GB" publisher: "Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons" --- # Everything You Need to Know About Scars Consultant-led scar guidance 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 topic - [Understanding Scars](https://www.aestheticplasticsurgeons.org/scar-information/understanding-scars): Understand how scars form, the stages of healing, how long they take to mature and what affects a scar's final appearance. ## Types of Scars 4 topics - [Indented Scars](https://www.aestheticplasticsurgeons.org/scar-information/indented-scars): Why some scars leave a dip or depression in the skin, and the options that may improve them. - [Raised Scars](https://www.aestheticplasticsurgeons.org/scar-information/raised-scars): Why some scars become raised, the difference between hypertrophic and keloid scars, and the options that may help. - [Types of Scars](https://www.aestheticplasticsurgeons.org/scar-information/types-of-scars): The main types of scars explained in plain language - what each looks like and when it may be worth seeking advice. - [Wide or Stretched Scars](https://www.aestheticplasticsurgeons.org/scar-information/wide-or-stretched-scars): Why some scars widen or stretch over time, and the options that may help improve them. ## Symptoms & Concerns 3 topics - [Old & Mature Scars](https://www.aestheticplasticsurgeons.org/scar-information/old-scars): Whether an old, settled scar can still be improved, and the options that may help. - [Painful or Itchy Scars](https://www.aestheticplasticsurgeons.org/scar-information/painful-or-itchy-scars): Why a healing scar may feel itchy, tender or tight, what is normal, and when it should be checked. - [Red or Dark Scars](https://www.aestheticplasticsurgeons.org/scar-information/red-or-dark-scars): Why scars can look red, pink or darker than the surrounding skin, and what may help the colour settle. ## Scar Care 1 topic - [Scar Care After Surgery](https://www.aestheticplasticsurgeons.org/scar-information/scar-care-after-surgery): Practical, consultant-led guidance on caring for a scar after surgery - always guided by your own surgical team. ## Scar Treatments 2 topics - [Surgical Scar Revision](https://www.aestheticplasticsurgeons.org/scar-information/scar-revision): What surgical scar revision is, when it may be considered, what it involves and the realistic improvement that is possible. - [Scar Treatments](https://www.aestheticplasticsurgeons.org/scar-information/scar-treatments): The main treatment options for scars explained, with realistic expectations and why the right approach depends on the scar. ## Procedure-Specific 7 topics - [Breast Augmentation Scars](https://www.aestheticplasticsurgeons.org/scar-information/breast-augmentation-scars): Where breast augmentation scars are placed, how they typically heal and fade, and how to care for them. - [Breast Lift Scars](https://www.aestheticplasticsurgeons.org/scar-information/breast-lift-scars): Where breast lift (mastopexy) scars sit, how they fade over 12 to 18 months, and the aftercare that helps them settle. - [Breast Reduction Scars](https://www.aestheticplasticsurgeons.org/scar-information/breast-reduction-scars): Where breast reduction scars sit, how they change over 12 to 18 months, and the aftercare that supports healing. - [Eyelid Surgery Scars](https://www.aestheticplasticsurgeons.org/scar-information/eyelid-surgery-scars): Where eyelid surgery scars sit, why they are usually well hidden, and how they typically heal. - [Facelift Scars](https://www.aestheticplasticsurgeons.org/scar-information/facelift-scars): Where facelift scars are placed, how they are hidden in natural creases and the hairline, and how they typically settle. - [Liposuction Scars](https://www.aestheticplasticsurgeons.org/scar-information/liposuction-scars): Why liposuction leaves only very small scars, where the access incisions are placed, and how they typically heal. - [Tummy Tuck Scars](https://www.aestheticplasticsurgeons.org/scar-information/tummy-tuck-scars): Where a tummy tuck scar sits, how it fades over 12 to 18 months, and the aftercare that helps it settle. ## 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. [Learn about scar healing](https://www.aestheticplasticsurgeons.org/scar-information/understanding-scars) 1. 01 ### Surgery 2. 02 ### Early Healing 3. 03 ### Red / Pink Scar 4. 04 ### Scar Maturation 5. 05 ### 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](https://www.aestheticplasticsurgeons.org/procedures/breast/breast-augmentation), [breast reduction](https://www.aestheticplasticsurgeons.org/procedures/breast/breast-reduction), [breast lift](https://www.aestheticplasticsurgeons.org/procedures/breast/breast-lift), [tummy tuck](https://www.aestheticplasticsurgeons.org/procedures/body/tummy-tuck), [facelift](https://www.aestheticplasticsurgeons.org/procedures/face/facelift), [eyelid surgery](https://www.aestheticplasticsurgeons.org/procedures/face/eyelid-surgery) and [liposuction](https://www.aestheticplasticsurgeons.org/procedures/body/liposuction). ## About this source Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons is a team of consultant plastic surgeons offering breast, body, facial and non-surgical treatments, with locations in Cheshire, Manchester and Barbados. All care is provided by consultant plastic surgeons on the GMC Specialist Register, operating in CQC-registered facilities. Members of BAAPS and BAPRAS. - Website: https://www.aestheticplasticsurgeons.org - Phone: 0808 129 2000 - Email: sian@aestheticplasticsurgeons.org Cite as: Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, "Everything You Need to Know About Scars", https://www.aestheticplasticsurgeons.org/scar-information. _This page is for general information only and does not replace personalised medical advice._