---
title: "Wide or Stretched Scars"
url: "https://www.aestheticplasticsurgeons.org/scar-information/wide-or-stretched-scars"
type: "Article"
section: "Scar Information"
summary: "Why scars widen or stretch, where it commonly happens, and the options - including scar revision - that may improve a stretched scar."
audience: "Adults considering cosmetic plastic surgery or non-surgical treatments, in Cheshire, Manchester and Barbados."
language: "en-GB"
publisher: "Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons"
---

# Wide or Stretched Scars

When a scar spreads

Why some scars widen or stretch over time, and the options that may help improve them.

A woman resting her hand on her leg beside a long, healed surgical scar

## Why scars widen

Scars tend to widen where the skin is under tension or moves a lot during healing. Common areas include the shoulders, back and tummy. A scar that starts as a fine line can gradually stretch and become wider or flatter over the first months.

## Can a widened scar be improved

Once a scar has fully matured, surgical scar revision may be able to narrow, reposition or tidy a wide scar. Revision reshapes a scar to heal more neatly rather than removing it, and the aim is an improved scar, not no scar.

## Reducing the risk while healing

Avoiding tension and heavy stretching across a healing wound, and following your surgical team’s guidance on activity, can help reduce widening. Supportive taping or silicone is sometimes recommended.

## When to seek advice

If a scar has widened and settled, a consultation can help you understand whether revision or other 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._

Considering scar revision?

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

## Related scar information

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

## 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, "Wide or Stretched Scars", https://www.aestheticplasticsurgeons.org/scar-information/wide-or-stretched-scars.

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