---
title: "Understanding Scars"
url: "https://www.aestheticplasticsurgeons.org/scar-information/understanding-scars"
type: "Article"
section: "Scar Information"
summary: "How scars form, the stages of healing, how long they take to mature, and what affects a scar's final appearance - clear, consultant-led guidance."
reviewed_by: "Mr Douglas McGeorge"
audience: "Adults considering cosmetic plastic surgery or non-surgical treatments, in Cheshire, Manchester and Barbados."
language: "en-GB"
publisher: "Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons"
---

# Understanding Scars

How scars form and heal

Understand how scars form, the stages of healing, how long they take to mature and what affects a scar's final appearance.

Medically reviewed by[Mr Douglas McGeorge](https://www.aestheticplasticsurgeons.org/our-team/douglas-mcgeorge)FRCS(Plast) - Consultant Plastic Surgeon

A woman gently touching a scar on her upper arm

Healing timeMost scars take up to two years to reach their final appearance

PermanenceAll surgery leaves some scarring

InfluencesGenetics, skin type, location and aftercare

## What is a scar?

A scar is a normal part of healing. When the skin is injured or cut during surgery, the body repairs it by forming new collagen, which creates a scar. Every surgical procedure that cuts the skin leaves a scar; the aim is to help it heal as neatly as possible.

## Why scars form

Scars form as the body’s natural response to repair a wound. The appearance of the final scar depends on many things, including the type of surgery, its position on the body, tension across the wound, your age and your skin type.

## The stages of scar healing

Healing moves through overlapping stages: early healing as the wound closes; an inflammatory red or pink stage as new blood vessels form; and a remodelling stage where the scar gradually softens, flattens and fades.

## How long scars take to mature

Most scars take up to two years to reach their final appearance. A new scar often looks red, firm or raised at first and softens over the following months. Significant further fading is unlikely after about two years.

## What affects scar appearance

Many factors influence how a scar looks, including its position and the tension across it, your genetics and skin type, your age, smoking, how the wound heals and whether it becomes infected, and how the scar is cared for.

## Scar colour changes

It is normal for a scar to look red or pink for several months. In darker skin a scar may become darker (hyperpigmented) or lighter than the surrounding skin. Protecting a scar from the sun can help.

## Scar texture changes

A scar may feel firm, raised or lumpy in the early months and usually softens over time. Massage may help soften and flatten a maturing scar once the wound has fully healed.

## When a scar may need assessment

You may wish to seek advice if a scar becomes increasingly raised or painful, widens, restricts movement, or remains a concern after the normal healing period. A [consultation](https://www.aestheticplasticsurgeons.org/contact) with a consultant plastic surgeon is the best way to have it assessed.

_This information is for general guidance only and is not a substitute for advice from a qualified clinician. Reviewed against NHS guidance._

Concerned about a scar?

A consultant plastic surgeon can assess your scar and talk you through whether any treatment may help.

Medically reviewed by

[Mr Douglas McGeorge](https://www.aestheticplasticsurgeons.org/our-team/douglas-mcgeorge)

FRCS(Plast) - Consultant Plastic Surgeon

## Related scar information

-   [Types of Scars](https://www.aestheticplasticsurgeons.org/scar-information/types-of-scars)
-   [Scar Care After Surgery](https://www.aestheticplasticsurgeons.org/scar-information/scar-care-after-surgery)
-   [Scar Treatments](https://www.aestheticplasticsurgeons.org/scar-information/scar-treatments)

## Related Procedures

-   [Breast Reduction Surgery](https://www.aestheticplasticsurgeons.org/procedures/breast/breast-reduction)
-   [Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)](https://www.aestheticplasticsurgeons.org/procedures/body/tummy-tuck)

## 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, "Understanding Scars", https://www.aestheticplasticsurgeons.org/scar-information/understanding-scars.

_This page is for general information only and does not replace personalised medical advice._