Do Hypertrophic Scars Go Away?

Scars never completely disappear, but they can become less visible over time, especially with the right care. They typically get thinner and smoother, making them harder to notice.

When we talk about hypertrophic scars, we’re discussing a type that stands out from the usual scars. These scars are not flat; instead, they’re thick and raised but stay within the area of the initial injury. If a scar starts to grow beyond this original boundary, it transforms into a keloid.

Although hypertrophic scars and keloids have their differences, they share similarities in both appearance and the methods used to treat them. Whether it’s a hypertrophic scar or a keloid, the approach to managing them involves techniques that aim to make them less pronounced.

Can Hypertrophic Scars be cut off?

Wondering if you can simply remove a hypertrophic scar by cutting it off? Well, it’s not usually recommended to take that route straight away. The reason behind this is quite straightforward – these scars often have underlying inflammation. If you were to cut off the scar without addressing this inflammation, there’s a good chance the scar might just reappear.

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That said, there are situations where removing the scar becomes viable. Take, for instance, a hypertrophic scar that’s emerged from an earring piercing infection. Once the infection is fully cleared, the pathway to removing the scar becomes clearer.

However, jumping straight to surgical removal isn’t typically the first step. Other treatments are known to soften these scars and make them far less visible over time. Steroid injections and laser scar treatments are two popular methods that can significantly improve the appearance of the scar.

Another excellent option that we’re particularly fond of is Morpheus8. This treatment has shown promising results in managing hypertrophic scars. It’s not a one-and-done deal, though. Our experts usually recommend a series of Morpheus8 sessions to ensure the scar improves to a point where it’s unlikely to return. Only after achieving this improvement do we consider surgically removing the scar. After surgery, we continue with Morpheus8 treatments to support the healing process, aiming for a scar that blends in seamlessly with your skin, making it almost invisible.

Effective Strategies for Treating Hypertrophic Scars

Identifying the most suitable treatment for hypertrophic scars hinges on understanding the root cause behind their development. The nature of these scars can vary, and so does their treatment, which is highly dependent on the specific factors contributing to their hypertrophic condition.

In cases where inflammation is the primary culprit behind the hypertrophic nature of a scar, addressing and resolving this inflammation is the first step. Once the inflammation is under control, it paves the way for a more targeted and effective treatment plan aimed at reducing the scar’s prominence.

For hypertrophic scars that emerge due to tension on the skin—like those that might occur after surgical procedures such as a facelift—the approach is somewhat different. These scenarios often involve the skin being pulled tight during the healing process, which can exacerbate the formation of raised scars. In such instances, treatments that focus on reducing the scar tissue without further surgical intervention are preferred. Injectable steroids and laser treatments stand out as effective methods in these cases. They work by lessening the scar tissue’s thickness and appearance without the risk of introducing additional tension that could potentially worsen the hypertrophy.

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